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10 Best Places to Visit in Uruguay

Last updated on October 3, 2023 by Alex Schultz - Leave a Comment

Despite being dwarfed by neighboring Argentina and Brazil , visitors to Uruguay will be surprised and impressed at all of the incredible things that there are to see and do in South America’s second smallest state. One of the safest countries on the continent, Uruguay’s sophisticated cities are fascinating to explore as delightful colonial-era centers, pulsating tango clubs and a wide range of historic and cultural landmarks entice you onwards.

The beautiful beaches that border the Atlantic Ocean offer up sun, sea, sand and surf as well as fun and friendly beach resorts while in the interior stunning nature reserves lie side by side next to expansive cattle ranches. Very easy to travel around, Uruguay is a laidback country that has a lot to offer and so don’t be surprised to find yourself yearning to return as soon as you’ve left its shores.

10. La Paloma [SEE MAP]

La Paloma

A small city, La Paloma lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular summer beach resort amongst South Americans and Uruguayans themselves, who flock here to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. With spectacular beaches, this laid-back city is great to visit and there are lots of fun watersports for you to try out such as surfing, sailing and windsurfing.

One of the best beaches for sunbathing is Anaconda Beach, where watching the sun set over the ocean is absolutely divine. Perfect for those who are looking to kick back and relax, La Paloma’s remote location makes it ideal for a quiet and peaceful holiday by the beach.

9. Santa Teresa National Park [SEE MAP]

Santa Teresa National Park

Bordering the laid-back Punta del Diablo is the marvelous Santa Teresa National Park which nature lovers will absolutely adore as it encompasses a diverse array of landscapes, ecosystems and fauna and flora. Much of the park is made up of lovely forests and seasides areas.

There are loads of great hiking trails that cut through the dunes and woods where visitors may catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife that resides within the park. It is actually here that a large battle took place when Uruguay was striving to win its independence.

One of the major historical sites here is the impressive Fortress of Santa Teresa which dates all the way back to 1762 and is located in between the wetlands in the park and the Atlantic Ocean. Definitely worth visiting, the nature and history on offer in Santa Teresa National Park will live long in the memory.

8. Punta del Diablo [SEE MAP]

Punta del Diablo

A popular place to visit among Argentines and Uruguayans looking to head to the beach and bask in the rays, Punta del Diablo is a lovely place to visit and despite recent development projects still has the feel of a picturesque and charming little fishing village.

With beautiful beaches and a laid-back way of life, it is a relaxing place to simply kick back and watch the world go by. As you can imagine, there is also some delicious seafood for visitors to enjoy.

With loads of outdoor activities on offer, you can be horseback riding over the dunes one minute, learning to surf the next and trying your hand at dune boarding later on in the day. Not far from Punta del Diablo are some fantastic nature reserves such as Santa Teresa and Cerro Verde, which are also well worth visiting.

7. Carmelo [SEE MAP]

Carmelo

Located near the spot where the Rio de la Plata and the Rio Uruguay join, Carmelo is an increasingly popular tourist destination and with good reason, as it is dripping with charm, as wonderful old buildings and cobbled streets make up much of the town.

The waterfront is lovely to wander along and from here you can take boat trips to the magical Parana Delta which is fantastic to explore. There is also a variety of activities for visitors to check out such as fishing, yachting and other watersports.

With some lovely beaches, brilliant wineries in the surrounding countryside, and a casino to boot; Carmelo covers a wide range of bases and has something for everyone to enjoy.

6. Salto [SEE MAP]

Salto

The second largest city in Uruguay, many people stop off here on their way to Argentina. This is certainly is a picturesque place as it borders the majestic Rio Uruguay. Salto is actually named after the falls which make a ‘big jump’ down near the city.

There are lots of lovely little riverside walks for visitors to enjoy, and the leafy streets and plazas delightfully combine with the wonderful architecture to make Salto a relaxing and laid-back city to visit.

In addition to this, there are soothing thermal springs at Dayman for you to unwind in. They are in stark contrast to the town’s huge hydroelectric dam which is bizarrely a popular destination for tourists.

5. Piriapolis [SEE MAP]

Piriapolis

With a very Mediterranean feel to it, Piriapolis’ wonderful beaches are great for lounging on, and the long promenade that hugs the waterfront is perfect for relaxing strolls while taking in the sun and river views.

One of the most popular beach resort towns in the country, it was actually created for that reason and so has a number of great hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos and shops, particularly as you get nearer to the coastline.

While the waterfront Rambla is the most popular spot in the city, the delightful Pira’s Castle is well worth checking out, and the Hotel Colon is magical to behold. With lovely views of the coast on offer nearby, Piriapolis is a great spot at which to relax after a busy trip’s sightseeing.

4. Tacuarembo [SEE MAP]

Tacuarembo

Located in the north of the country, Tacuarembo is as gaucho as they come and the rolling hills that surround the city are full of cattle and sprawling fields. As such, there is a distinctive cowboy feel about the place, and the culture, language and food here is very different from the rest of Uruguay.

With lovely leafy plazas and tree-filled avenues for you to enjoy, wandering around about town is a delightful experience. It is here that the legendary tango star Carlos Gardel is reputed to have been born.

The main sights on offer include a beautiful cathedral, the picturesque 19th of April Plaza and a couple of interesting museums, while the surrounding area has some nice waterfalls and grottoes for you to visit.

3. Punta del Este [SEE MAP]

Punta del Este

This upmarket beach resort town is so luxurious and fancy that it is often called the Monaco or Saint-Tropez of South America, where yachts, casinos and trendy cocktail bars abound in this playground of the rich.

With loads of bars, restaurants and clubs hugging the beautiful beachfront, it is a fun place to visit although it is quite expensive in comparison with the rest of the country.

The mansions along the seafront really need to be seen to be believed. Watching the sun go down over the ocean at either Jose Ignacio or La Barra is absolutely divine, and there are lots of great watersports for you to try and fantastic museums for you to visit. Alternatively, you can just lounge on the wonderful beaches and simply watch the world go by.

2. Colonia del Sacramento [SEE MAP]

Colonia del Sacramento

The historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento is absolutely stunning to wander around as it is one of the oldest cities in Uruguay and wonderful colonial architecture and picturesque old cobbled streets are everywhere you look.

Having been ruled at various times by the Spanish and Portuguese who fought over it, there is an interesting mix of architectural styles. A city wall that once protected the city from invaders still runs around the old quarter. Lying next to the Rio de la Plata there some great museums for visitors to enjoy.

Two of the main tourist attractions are the towering lighthouse which offers up great views of the city, and the Basilica del Sanctisimo Sacramento which is wonderful to behold. A charming place to visit, Colonia del Sacramento is well worth checking out when you’re in Uruguay and there are lots of great restaurants and trendy boutiques to boot.

1. Montevideo [SEE MAP]

#1 of Best Places To Visit In Uruguay

The capital of Uruguay, Montevideo is a fascinating place to explore, and visitors to the city invariably come away having loved everything that they’ve seen and done. Home to nearly half of the country’s entire population, it is a bustling place which is full of life, with loads of theaters, art galleries and music venues on offer.

In addition to the lively cultural scene, there is a happening nightlife, with lots of tango bars, trendy cocktail lounges and discos scattered about the city. As the capital of the country, Montevideo has something for everyone to enjoy and the historic downtown area is captivating to explore, with beautiful neoclassical buildings dotted about here and there.

The Teatro Solis which borders the impressive Plaza Independencia is particularly breathtaking to behold. For an authentic look at life in Montevideo, head to the Mercado del Puerto which is full of shops and restaurants selling delicious local cuisine. Then, go for a stroll along the scenic La Rambla which borders the bay. With beautiful beaches nearby and the stupendous Estadio Centenario for football fans to check out; Montevideo really does have it all.

Map of Uruguay

Uruguay Map

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15 Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Uruguay

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Jan 31, 2022

A small country with borders against Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay was colonized by the Spanish and Portuguese in the late 17 th century–a lot later than neighboring countries. Although the country was originally inhabited by the Charrua people, little of the native indigenous culture survives today.

The country did adopt a number of traditions and celebrations connected to African heritage–a result of the presence of African slaves in the country in the 19 th century–especially evident during the celebration of the Carnival at the beginning of the year.

For those visiting, Uruguay has much to offer in the form of great cuisine, unexpected traditions, and plenty of natural attractions to explore and discover. For details on the best places to visit, take a look at our list of things to do in Uruguay.

1. Explore Montevideo

2. mix with the jet set in punta del este, 3. sunbathe and swim at the many beaches, 4. discover the past in colonia del sacramento, 5. try a south american bbq, 6. hike in punta del diablo, 7. spot sea lions in cabo polonio, 8. relax in hot springs, 9. see candombe during carnival season, 10. discover gaucho culture, 11. discover the "other" home of tango, 12. explore historical sights, 13. spot whales from the beach, 14. explore the dunes of josé ignacio, 15. explore wetlands and secret lagoons.

Plaza Independencia in Montevideo

Uruguay's capital city is an eclectic mix of Neoclassical and colonial architecture, African influences, and modern European flair. Government buildings, including Palacio Salvo (home to the Tango Museum of Montevideo ) and the Legislative Palace (made up of almost 30 different types and colors of marble) are a good representation of the look and feel you'll experience when walking the streets of Montevideo.

Ciudad Vieja , the oldest part of the city and now a beautiful neighborhood, holds several landmarks, including the Citadel Gate (the only remaining part of the walls that once surrounded the city) and the green square Plaza Independencia .

Montevideo is a happening city with world-class cuisine you can experience at its best in the Mercado del Puerto ("Port Market").

Montevideo's cultural heritage is well represented in the city's many history and art museums, including the large National Museum of Visual Arts and the Museo Torres García , dedicated to the renowned Uruguayan avant-garde sculptor, painter, and writer.

Montevideo's beaches and Rambla (a coastline sidewalk) attract tourists from many neighboring countries.

Read More: Top-Attractions & Things to Do in Montevideo

Punta del Este harbor

Punta del Este is Uruguay's most famous beach , and it deserves a mention because it has often been called "the Monaco of the South"–a resort area where models, actors, and the rich come to relax, play, and enjoy haute cuisine.

Punta's main tourist attraction is, without a doubt, its coastline of fine golden sand and water sports, but the area is also home to a significant population of southern right whales; an imposing hotel complex; and the Museum of the Sea , which showcases everything from whale skeletons to a collection of early 20 th -century bathing suits.

Isla de Lobos and Isla Gorriti are two small islands off the coast of Punta del Este. They are home to a lighthouse, ruins of Portuguese forts, and large colonies of southern elephant seals and orcas . Isla de Lobos is a nature reserve and a wintering area for whales .

La Pedrera Beach in Uruguay

Uruguay's coastline doesn't come with palm-fringed, golden sands or turquoise waters, but this small South American country still has lots of beautiful, pristine coastal destinations for sun lovers, with plenty of waterfront promenades, resorts, and boating areas.

While Punta del Este beach attracts the rich and famous, it also comes with higher prices, larger crowds, and a lively atmosphere that makes it hard to enjoy a quiet moment in the sun during high season. If you're looking for a little more peace, there are many other beach destinations in Uruguay that are a better option. The country's capital, Montevideo, has a number of beaches, including the upscale Playa de los Pocitos , which offers plenty of water sports, and the beaches alongside the 22-kilometer-long Rambla.

Piriápolis , one of the oldest beach resort areas in Uruguay, attracts mostly surfers and history lovers with its strong waves and its Belle Epoque-style buildings.

Costa de Oro (Golden Coast) is the longest stretch of beach in the country, covering over 45 kilometers of wide sandbanks that are underdeveloped and ideal for a quiet escape.

Read More: Best Beaches in Uruguay

Bougainvillea trees in Colonia del Sacramento

Best known as just Colonia, this small city is also one of the oldest in Uruguay. Colonia's Barrio Historico or old town center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the town's main attraction.

Set around a tree-lined square and surrounded by cobblestone streets, the barrio is home to a number of historical buildings and ruins, including a 17 th -century convent; a municipal museum showcasing artifacts about the history of Colonia; a wooden drawbridge; and the Basilica of the Holy Sacrament, which was built by Portuguese settlers in the early 19 th century.

The ruins of the bullring Real de San Carlos (abandoned since bullfighting was banned in Uruguay in 1912) and the lighthouse against the river are also famous landmarks.

Colonia is also a great place to catch the ferry to Buenos Aires . The ferry departs from Colonia over 40 times per week, and the trip takes just one hour and 15 minutes, making for a perfect sightseeing day trip to the Argentinian capital.

A barbecue in Uruguay

Uruguay's parrillas (steakhouses) are a meat lover's dream. The quintessential Uruguayan dish is the "asado," a sort of open-fire barbecue that is more a social event than just a meal. An asado can consist of any non-marinated meat (though beef and chicken are the main choices).

Asados often consist of several cuts of meats that cook at different times, so they can be served one after the other. Asados are usually served with baguette bread grilled next to the meat, as well as grilled vegetables, and salads.

Unless you're a vegetarian, sitting down to try an authentic asado is a must when visiting Uruguay. There are plenty of parrillas around the country, with places like La Pulperia (in Montevideo) and Punta Salina (in Punta del Este) often making the top 10 lists of restaurants in the country.

Punta del Diablo

A sleepy village of about 1,000 residents, Punta del Diablo swells up to an impressive 25,000 residents during the high season (December to February), when visitors come here to enjoy a quiet escape in a fabulously untouched area of soft sands in the Atlantic coast.

Punta del Diablo (Devil's Point) is an hour and a world away from Punta del Este–but it still offers plenty of high-end cuisine, shops, and accommodations overlooking the rocky waters.

Strict building codes mean no large building projects or major developments are allowed here, so all you see as you walk through the town's wide-open streets are brightly colored cabañas (cabins) and small shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.

Early morning treks on the sand dunes are a favorite activity here, but more adventurous explorers can leave the village and venture all the way to Santa Teresa National Park , a forested seaside reserve, home to an 18 th -century granite masonry fortress; a large campground; a number of protected species; and several beaches, such as Playa del Barco and Playa Achiras , where chances for surfing and windsurfing attract many visitors.

Sea Lions in Cabo Polonio

When it comes to off-the-beaten-track destinations, it doesn't get any more off the track than this tiny hamlet, where there's no electricity, no running water, and no Wi-Fi–and that's exactly how the local residents want it.

Cabo Polonio has a population of under 100, people who live in rustic but pretty small cabins and houses. There's one store in town, a few posadas (rustic inns that accommodate summer visitors and offer meals by candlelight or oil lamps), some shacks selling surprisingly great food, and a lighthouse that is the only building connected to the power grid. And all this in a beautiful, rugged area, where grassy sand dunes and giant boulders wash into the cold sea.

Getting to Cabo Polonio is part of the adventure, as there are no roads into town. The only way to access the village is either in a 4WD vehicle or by hiking seven kilometers from the highway over slippery and ever-changing sand dunes.

The deserted beaches around the village are home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in South America .

Termas (hot springs) are fairly popular in Uruguay, with Termas del Arapey and Termas del Dayman. Arapey is the oldest thermal resort in the country, with natural spring waters that reach 39 degrees Celsius and are supposed to have therapeutic properties. The area is popular with tourists and offers plenty of green spaces; holiday cottages; and chances to swim in cooler, more comfortable waters any time you want.

The Dayman hot springs are located next to the river Daymán and have a maximum temperature of 46 degrees Celsius. Daymán is better developed, with seven pools for adults and three for children at varying temperatures, as well as food areas, tennis courts, and mini golf.

Uruguay's first water park, Acuamania , is located just minutes away from Dayman hot springs and offers a 300-meter-long lazy river, different slides, cold geysers, thrill rides, and interactive water games.

Candombe drums in Uruguay

The carnival season is a major celebration that takes place in several South American countries, although how the festival is celebrated varies significantly from country to country.

In Uruguay, the carnival is a time for dance parades, where comparsas (groups of dancers and drummers) take to the streets to play candombe, a traditional form of musical experience closely related to the music and dance styles brought over by African slaves.

Montevideo has the biggest carnival celebrations, with parades and cultural events lasting 40 days between January and February, making it the longest carnival celebration in the world . During this time, dancers take to the street in colorful, over-the-top dresses to celebrate well into the early morning.

Murgas, a type of drumming musical theater, are also a major part of Uruguayan carnivals. They usually perform parodies based on current events as they move along through the city streets.

If you're going to be in Uruguay during carnival season, make some time to visit the Carnival Museum in Montevideo, where you can learn about the history of the carnival, its origins, and how costumes and celebrations have evolved through the years.

Gaucho in Maldonado, Uruguay

The gaucho (a sort of South American cowboy) is a national symbol in Uruguay and Argentina. Historically, gauchos were brave explorers who took over livestock farming in remote regions and became master horse riders.

While the traditional gaucho is technically extinct, the traditions associated with these brave country men live on and are an integral part of the culture of Uruguay. An example of this is the popular mate, a traditional drink served in a hollow gourd, that you should definitely try when visiting Uruguay.

For visitors wanting a glimpse into gaucho culture, visiting a hacienda is a good start. These large landed estates offer accommodations, traditional local food, and a chance to either watch or participate in traditional gaucho activities such as driving cattle, herding sheep, and horse riding.

Tango dancers

Tango is just as Uruguayan as it is Argentinian (the country that is most commonly associated with it), but its origins are different. In Uruguay, tango was born in the 1880s in Montevideo and it was, for a long time, an underground dance favored among the poor and working class. Today, Uruguayan tango is best known for giving the world the 1916's tango "La Cumparsita," popularly referred to as Uruguay's national anthem.

You can often spot tango dancers on the streets of Montevideo, and the Viva el Tango festival takes over the country every October. But you can also search for milongas (tango salons) if you're up for doing more than just watching. Most of these places offer tango classes plus a space to just come and dance if you already know what you're doing.

During the summer, you can join milonga callejera (basically, street tango dancing) at places like Plaza Liber Seregni in Montevideo.

Fortress de Santa Teresa

Uruguay is a relatively new country. It wasn't discovered by Europeans until 1516, and Montevideo wasn't even founded until 1726. As a result, the extent of its historical places is mostly limited to fortresses and towers – but Uruguay has some impressive ones to showcase.

Fortress General Artigas, also known as Fortaleza del Cerro, sits 134 meters above sea level overlooking the Bay of Montevideo. It was built in the 1800s by a Spanish governor, and today it's a popular lookout point. It also houses the Military Museum.

The extensive Fortress de Santa Teresa was originally built by the Portuguese (looking to defend themselves against a potential Spanish attack) in the 1760s but fell into ruins over the decades. Fuerte San Miguel – located within the San Miguel National Park – is in much better condition, and it now houses a collection of military uniforms, weapons, and everyday objects from colonial times.

Whale observation tower at Santa Teresa National Park, Uruguay

Southern right whales make their way to South America to breed between July and November. While you can certainly catch a boat if you want to get closer to them, you'll get plenty of sightings right from the beach in areas where the water is very deep.

Uruguay's Atlantic Coast has plenty of strategic viewing points at Punta Colorada and Punta Negra beaches, the Punta del Este area, and the bay at La Paloma. There are also several observation towers dotted along the coast, including one in the city of Punta del Este and one in the seaside forested area of Parque Santa Teresa.

Lighthouse in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

About 40 kilometers east of flashy, loud Punta del Este, the tiny town of José Ignacio (only 200 people live here year-round) has become the must-visit place for luxury-meets-relaxation. Just a few decades ago, José Ignacio was a fishing village not many had heard about. Today, it's a sought-after spot for everything from high-end beachfront restaurants to yoga studios and stunning boutique hotels mostly run by Europeans.

During the summer, José Ignacio welcomes beach lovers, surfers, and whale watchers, and the town is alive with the sounds of Carnival and late-night restaurants by the shore. Horse-riding on the beach, strolling down the dunes, and windsurfing are equally amazing things to do no matter when you arrive.

Laguna Garzón bridge

Uruguay might be South America's second-smallest country (just barely bigger than Suriname), but that doesn't mean it's lacking when it comes to natural spaces. And while there are also plenty of areas covered in forests, canyons, and subtropical forests, the country is best known for its lagoons and wetlands.

Perhaps the best-known is Laguna Garzón, set on the side of the famous circular bridge of the same name. The protected area is home to migrating birds and is a great whale-spotting destination just one hour away from Punta del Este. Laguna Merín near the border with Brazil is surrounded by wetlands and rolling sands, while Laguna de Rocha is a bird lover's paradise and home to many unique animals such as capybara.

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Home » Travel Guides » 15 Best Places to Visit in Uruguay

15 Best Places to Visit in Uruguay

Uruguay has always lived in the shadows of Brazil and Argentina , it’s bigger and faster neighbours.  But in recent decades, this little country is finally getting some of the recognition it deserves.

It’s everything you want a holiday country to be:  progressive, culturally sophisticated, stable, jam packed with nature and outdoor adventure, and accessible.  Because it’s not yet heavy on the tourist circuit, you’ll get lots of “local experience,” which comes with great memories and stories to retell back home.

Come and discover for yourself why it’s called the Switzerland of South America. Here’s the best places to visit in Uruguay !

1. Montevideo

Montevideo

Montevideo is the seat of the nation’s capital and home to almost half of its population.  This eclectic own is high on fun and steeped in cultural life.  There are lots of different aspects to discover here.

Start with the historic downtown where you’ll find neoclassic buildings right next to towering skyscrapers.  You can visit the port and industrial side, spending the day shopping, or check out the beach communities of places like Pocitos and Carretas.

In the evening enjoy theatre, galleries, and concerts.  You’ll love the tango bars and seaside discos. Be sure to check out La Feria Tristán Narvaja flea market, The Rambla, and Plaza de Independecia.

Hydroelectric Dam, Salto

Salto is the country’s second biggest city and is named after the point where the Rio Uruguay makes a “big jump.”  People make their way here for the hot springs and the outdoor activities offered.

You’ll find a pretty riverfront town that’s relaxed and lets you easily unwind. Oddly enough, the town’s hydroelectric dam, located 2ok from the city, is a very popular tourist site.

Check out the hot springs at Daymán which has three pools of varying temperatures, different showers and fountains, and great area to enjoy a picnic lunch.

3. Paysandú

Paysandú

The third-largest city is Paysandú and it’s joined to Colón, Argentina by the Puente Internacional General Artigas.

Founded as an outpost for cattle herders in the regions, the town has grown to be the source of most of the meat for all of Uruguay.  These days, the action is on Plaza Constitución so plan to spend an afternoon strolling around.

If you time it right, you can join in the city’s annual week long beer festival and see a wilder side of laid-back Paysandú.

Carmelo

Filled with low old houses and cobblestone streets, Carmelo is the place for stress-free water activities. Fishing, yachting and exploring the Paraná Delta are the major pastimes here.

Situated near the convergence of the Rio Uruguay and the Rio de la Plata, there’s a lovely sheltered harbour here.  Cross the bridge to Playa Sere beach with great space for camping in the adjoining park.

Bring some extra cash on hand to enjoy the casino.

Fortaleza de Santa Teresa, Chuy

Chuy sits on the Atlantic coast in Uruguay and right across the street is its twin sister Chui, in Brazil.  The main street between these two towns is the actual border between Brazil and Uruguay.

Half the town will call out, “Bienvenido,” as you pass, and the other half will say, “Bem vinda.”

Don’t miss Fuerte San Miguel, an 18th century fort integral in the formation of Uruguay as an independent country, and Fortaleza de Santa Teresa, a National Historic Monument located in a national park.

6. Colonia (Colonia del Sacramento)

Colonia del Sacramento

Founded in the 17th century, Colonia is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll love the old colonial buildings and cobblestone streets that provide so much character.

The city itself was, for a long time, a smuggling port and changed hands several times between the Portuguese and the Spanish. As you’d imagine, the main attraction is the old historic centre.  There are eight small museums here (all for the price of one ticket). The town lighthouse provides a lovely view of the city and the river.

Visit the abandoned Basilica del Sanctísimo Sacramento, an old bullfighting ring and enjoy some of Colonia’s asado, a favourite among the locals.

Durazno

Situated on the Yi River, Durazno is a small town originally built in the 19th century and named after the Brazilian Emperor Pedro I.

There is a great regional art museum, Casa del General, with exhibits on Uruguayan archaeology, Gaucho art, and local history. Sports fans will enjoy the local sports museum and kids will love the Durazno zoo.

There’s also the wonderful Iglesia San Pedro De Durazno, designed by well-known architect Eladio Diesde.

8. Punta del Diablo

Punta del Diablo

This old timey fishing village is now the number one summer getaway destination for Argentines and Uruguayans.  It’s also the heart of the backpacker scene in Uruguay.

There’s been a lot of development recently, but the town hasn’t lost its charm. Another fantastic town with a gorgeous coastline and laid-back atmosphere, you’ll love this little corner of the country.

Be sure to check out the sandy plaza, located about 200m inland.  Small sandy streets fan out in all directions.

9. Punta del Este

Punta del Este

This beach resort town has everything:  sand, yachts, casinos, and sun. Sometimes called the Monaco of South America, Punta del Este is a bit expensive compared to the rest of Uruguay, but the amazing coast, activities, restaurants and more make it a must see town.

Don’t miss sunset in either Jose Ignacio or La Barra and the surfing in La playa de los Dedos. There’s some great beach art here as well. You’ll love gawking at the seaside mansions and walking along the tree-lined an idyllic streets.

There’s also a museum, Casa Pueblo, created by Carlos Paez-Vilaro. As well as the Pablo Atchugarry Foundation, the Museo del Mar (marine museum), the Museo Ralli (contemporary art museum),  Arboretum Lussich, and Isla de los Lobos – the largest seal colony in the southern hemisphere.

10. Piriápolis

Piriápolis

There is a definite Mediterranean vibe in Piriápolis.  There’s a beachfront promenade and a wonderful old hotel.  Created specifically for tourism at the beginning of the 20th century, it includes the Castillo de Piria (Pira’s Castle) and the Argentino Hotel.

There’s a ten block area of coastline where you’ll find the shopping, restaurants, and water sports.

Though most of Uruguay is quite flat, there are lovely views here of the surrounding area – with two of the country’s highest peaks nearby.

11. Tacuarembó

Tacuarembó

This is gaucho country.  The rolling hills of Cuchilla de Haedo serve as the backdrop for this rugged cattle country.  The supposed birthplace of the tango legend Carlos Gardel, you’ll find attractive plazas, tree lined streets, and the quaint Plaza 19 de Abril in the heart of the town.

Be sure to visit the Museo Carlos Gardel, the Gruta de los Helechos, the Catedral de Tacuarembo, the Museo del Indio y del Gaucho Washington Escobar, and the stunning Pozo Hondo, a grotto and waterfall just outside of town.

Everyone falls in love with the culture, language, and cuisine of Tacuarembo that all seem to be influenced by just about everywhere.

12. Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio

There’s no water, sewage, or electricity in Cabo Polonio, making it a big attraction for the hippie and backpacker crowds.

The entire area is a natural reserve complete with a forest of Ombu trees, and a nearby colony of sea lions behind the picturesque lighthouse. The main reason to come here is to relax on the beach and unwind from all your travels.

Remember to bring real books with you if you plan to relax on the beach – recharging your e-reader will be a challenge!

Rocha

Rocha is where you’ll find the last of the vast pristine beaches of Uruguay.  The sand is white, the ocean a bright blue, and the beach is basically deserted.

The entire department has very little development but the feeling of remoteness is greater than reality.  The place is still quiet accessible.

More and more ex-pats are discovering a retirement paradise in Rocha.

14. Nueva Helvecia

Nueva Helvecia

There is a deep sense of community in Nueva Helvecia.  The town square, a favourite hangout spot for locals, was specifically designed for people to come together. You’ll find everyone in town spends at least a little time here every day.  The elders of the community can be counted on to tell stories from the old days.

There’s an incredible Founder’s Monument here that commemorates the immigrants who laboured and sacrificed to build Nueva Helvecia.  Made out of granite, it’s a fantastic tribute to this cosy community.

There are also great festivals here.  In August enjoy the Swiss Festival where you can sample Swiss dishes, signing, and dancing.  Some families go all out in creating incredible Swiss cheese fondues for everyone to sample.

15. San Gregorio de Polanco

San Gregorio de Polanco

Come to San Gregorio de Polanco for fresh clean invigorating air, lush flora, and blue water.  This is a rather isolated area, which completely adds to its charm.

There are roughly 3,000 inhabitants here and it’s truly a natural paradise. You can visit the local visual arts museum, the delightfully decorated OSE water tank, and the local parish which has an art gallery inside.

For such an isolated area there are plenty of water activities on offer as well as amazing fishing.

15 Best Places to Visit in Uruguay:

  • Colonia (Colonia del Sacramento)
  • Punta del Diablo
  • Punta del Este
  • Cabo Polonio
  • Nueva Helvecia
  • San Gregorio de Polanco

The Whole World Or Nothing

The Absolute Best Places To Visit In Uruguay

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A long time favourite summer vacation destination for Argentines and Brazilians, Uruguay is becoming increasingly popular on the South America backpacking route.

We wanted to find out for ourselves what all the fuss was about. So we jumped on a boat from Argentina , hired a car and took a month to explore all the best places to visit in Uruguay.

Best Places To Visit In Uruguay

Uruguay was once a bit of a no mans land amongst colonising countries who saw no value in it.

Today it has one of the most prosperous and stable economies in all of South America.

And that’s not the only difference between Uruguay and the rest of the continent.

It is also the most progressive , having legalized abortion, gay marriage and personal cannabis use.

Despite having plenty in common with it’s mate clutching and tango loving neighbour Argentina, Uruguay has its own distinct culture going on.

And from it’s seriously cool capital city to it’s wild beaches and deeply traditional small towns, it varies vastly.

If you’re a keen and curious traveller, a trip to Uruguay simply has to be on the cards.

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Where To Go In Uruguay & The Top Uruguay Tourist Attractions

As I mentioned above, we hired a car to get us around most places in Uruguay. However all the Uruguay tourist attractions that we will be mentioning, can also be reached easily by bus.

Here’s what to do in Uruguay, plus recommendations for where to stay and lots of useful travel information to help you plan your trip to Uruguay.

If you are arriving in Uruguay by plane, your first stop will likely be the capital city.

If you are travelling by boat from Argentina, you’ll either be landing here or in the other port town of Colonia del Sacramento.

Either way, you’ll want to plan at least a couple of days into your Uruguay itinerary to explore Montevideo.

It’s not huge, but being that more than half of the country’s population live in Montevideo, there are certainly plenty of things to do in Uruguay here.

We’ve spent a lot of time here so have some much more extensive travel guides on Montevideo, but here’s the highlights of the first of our best places to visit in Uruguay.

Things To Do In Montevideo

Walking tour.

Uruguay has a rather complicated history and there’s no better way to learn about it than whilst walking its streets with a local resident.

The Curioso Free Walking Tour that we did was not only super informative but also seriously entertaining.

They have 3 different ones so you can choose one to best suit your specific interests.

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Espacio de Arte Contemporaneo

More than an art gallery, the Contemporary Art Space is set inside a former derelict prison and the building itself is as fascinating as the artwork.

Retaining its original structure, each cell displays the work of a different artist. It’s free to visit. And don’t miss walking around the outside walls which are full of awesome street art too.

Plaza Independencia

The most important square in Montevideo and one of the top Uruguay points of interest, it’s where the country’s president works.

At the centre you will find a statue of revered General Artigas. He kicked off the revolution that ultimately lead to Uruguay’s independence.

His mausoleum is located underneath. You can visit it for free. Don’t miss the pretty Palacio Salvo building and nearby Teatre Solis.

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Parque Rodó

A central and well used hangout spot, Parque Rodó is one of the greenest areas of the city.

If your feet are tired from exploring, head here and chill under the shade of the huge palm trees. Or take to the water on a peddle boat.

There’s a huge market here on a Sunday too, selling everything from fruit and veg to clothes and mate cups.

The Rambla & Beaches

Another popular thing to do in Montevideo is to take a walk along the massive rambla.

It’s over 22km in length, making it the longest continuous sidewalk in the world. You may not want to walk it all!

There’s also some pretty nice beaches. The most central ones are Playa Rameriz, right next to Parque Rodoó, or a little further along Playa Pocitos.

Where To Stay In Montevideo

Budget – habemus hostel.

This colorful and friendly hostel comes with a terrace, a garden, a shared lounge, wifi access and seriously great backpacker reviews.

It is centrally located in the neighbourhood of Cordón. The rooms are air conditioned and a continental breakfast is included in the price.

Click here to check availability and prices for Habemus Hotel on Booking.

Mid-range – Don Boutique Hotel

Spacious rooms come with wifi, tv and air conditioning as standard. There’s a panoramic rooftop complete with an outdoor pool and stylish bar offering spectacular views over the Ciudad Vieja. Plus free parking and an onsite restaurant serving an a la carte breakfast.

Click here to check availability and prices for Don Boutique Hotel on Booking.

Luxury – Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa

If your after some serious indulgence, you won’t get better than most prestigious hotel in Montevideo.

Guests enjoy celebrity treatment with world-class service. There’s exclusive spa facilities, both indoor and outdoor swimming pools and it’s just 5 minutes from the airport.

Click here to check availability and prices for Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa on Booking.

Punta del Este

Punta del Este is Uruguay’s most popular beach resort. And while it’s VIP party and glamour scene may not be up our street, it’s not hard to see the appeal if that’s your thing.

The beaches are gorgeous and nightlife is unrivalled. Despite the obvious development, there is also plenty of opportunity to get out into nature too.

Things To Do In Punta del Este

Walk along the port.

You can’t go to Punta del Este without taking a stroll along the wooden promenade.

During the day it’s a more relaxed affair but come nightfall, the whole area turns into party. You can also take boat trips from here to go and visit sea lion island and go whale spotting.

The Hand Sculpture

Synonymous with almost any Uruguay travel guide, the famous hand reaching out of the sand on Brava beach consistently ranks high amongst the best places to visit in Uruguay.

Although you’ll have to be up early in the summer if you want a photograph without other people in it.

Punta Del Este Fingers

La Barra Bridge

Designed to resemble waves, this undulating structure resembles a rollercoaster if you drive over it in a vehicle.

This part of Punta del Este is all about the waves with two of the most popular beaches for surfing here, La Posta del Cangrejo and Montoya.

Bikini Beach

Another of Punta del Estes favourite beaches, if you’re after some epic sunset views while enjoying a meal at the best restaurants in town, this is where it is at.

The playground of Brazilian millionaires and Argentina’s high society, you better get your glad rags on.

Where To Stay In Punta del Este

Budget – el viajero brava beach hostel & suites.

Located smack bang in the heart of Punta del Este, this hostel is just a few hundred yards from the bus station and the coastline.

There’s WiFi and a daily homemade breakfast. Rooms are air conditioned, there’s plenty of communal chill out areas plus a bar on the wooden deck.

Click here to check availability and prices for El Viajero Brava Beach Hostel & Suites on Booking.

Mid-range – Hotel Milano

Right next to Emir Beach and close to the Craft Fair, this hotel has a great location.

Wi-Fi and air conditioning and breakfast is provided as standard. And large windows make the rooms lovely and bright. There’s a garden with a pool and a charming shaded terrace to relax on.

Click here to check availability and prices for Hotel Milano on Booking.

Luxury – Hotel L’Auberge

Located a short walk from Brava beach this stunner of a hotel features gorgeous tranquil gardens and super stylish rooms.

There’s an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and guests can either enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at the restaurant or have it brought to them in bed.

Click here to check availability and prices for Hotel L’Auberge on Booking.

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One of our biggest travel regrets is setting off on our first trip without packing cubes. They’re the organisational equivalent of having a chest of drawers on your back & make packing a cinch. This set is breathable, lightweight, & super durable & will revolutionise your packing.

One of a number of seaside towns in the department of Rocha, the eastern part of Uruguay’s coastline is the most beautiful. We only stayed in La Pedrera for the one night, but wish we’d have booked longer.

The town is busy enough to have a good selection of bars and restaurants. But the beaches are so vast you won’t struggle for a secluded sunbathing spot.

Things To Do In La Pedrera

Rock formations.

Intermingled amongst the sand, the ancient rock formations on La Pedrera beaches make excellent natural jacuzzis.

Grab yourself a spot in one of the pools and get your relax on. The waves get wilder further along the beaches but make excellent surf spots.

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Laguna Rocha

Only separated from the sea by a sandbar, salt water waves regularly make their way into this uniquely biodiverse lagoon.

Recently designated a protected nature reserve, lots of migratory bird species use Laguna Rocha, including the endangered Chilean Flamingo.

Valle de Luna

A strange little landscape, we came across this by complete chance. You’ll need to head up past Punta Rubia and take one of the dirt tracks off the main road that head down to Playa Santa Isabel.

We think it’s an old dried up river bed but you really could be on the moon.

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Where To Stay In La Pedrera

Budget – compay hostel la pedrera.

Close to both El Desplayado and El Barco beaches, a stay at this place comes complete with sea views. There’s a garden with BBQ facilities, a common kitchen and reading room.

Rooms have private lockers, WIFI access and the shared bathroom facilities have hot water.

Click here to check availability and prices Hostel La Pedrera on Booking.

Mid-range – Posada Irsis

Really close to the beach and a short walk or bike ride into La Pedrera town, this place has a great location.

The rooms have balconies overlooking the beautiful private gardens. With WIFI, private parking and a fresh breakfast included as standard.

Click here to check availability and prices for Posada Irsis on Booking.

Luxury – Esteños de la Pedrera Posada y Spa

Located just one black from the main street, these self-catering apartments include barbecue facilities and balcony views over the garden or outdoor pool.

Guests can enjoy the spa and wellness centre, including a hot tub and a sauna. Private parking is also available.

Click here to check availability and prices for Esteños de la Pedrera Posada y Spa on Booking.

Cabo Polonio

At the opposite end of the spectrum to glitzy Punta del Este are the wild sand dunes of Cabo Polonio.

Cut off from mainstream access by a protected national park, you’ll need to jump onboard one of the licensed jeeps to get in.

There are no roads, no running water and after sundown you’ll need a torch to find your way around. It’s mad and weird and we loved it.

Things To Do In Cabo Polonio

Other than to the lighthouse, there is no mains electricity in Cabo Polonio. The odd solar panel and generator produce some power.

But after dark the only real light you’ll have to work with is from the campfires and insane amount of stars you’ll be able to see in the night sky.  

Seal Lion Colony

Home to two huge sea lion colonies, head out to the tip of Cabo Polonio and you’ll soon hear the barking. They are fascinating to watch.

But that’s not all we saw while in Cabo Polonio, we also clapped eyes on what we were adamant was a killer whale bobbing around in the bay!

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A significant part of history, the lighthouse in Cabo Polonio was once also a school. Founded to teach isolated fishermen children how to read and write.

These days tourists can climb up to see the views over the bay. It costs $30 UYU and is open 10am – 1pm then 3pm – sunset.

Crazy Houses

Another interesting thing to do in Cabo Polonio is to simply wander around and take in all the usual structures.

Outside of tourist season there is still a population of around 90 people who live here. So do be mindful and respect that many buildings are people’s actual homes.

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Where To Stay In Cabo Polonio

Budget – viejo lobo.

Centrally located, brightly decorated dorm rooms with sea views. There’s a communal kitchen and BBQ area with plenty of space to relax and make friends.

Wifi is turned on for one hour per day, there is some solar power to charge the odd device and the showers have hot water.

Click here to check availability and prices for Viejo Lobo on Booking.

Mid-range – Narakan

Still very rustic in design, this place has some bigger private rooms with balconies.

Like much of the accommodation in Cabo Polonio there is a very communal vibe going on with shared meals and evening campfire gatherings on the beach. Wifi and power is available, but limited.

Click here to check availability and prices for Narakan on Booking.

Luxury – El Fortín del Rubio

For luxury accomodation in Cabo Polonio renting an apartment is the best option. This place is stunning, you’ll see from the photos.

Electricity is available, there is a refrigerator and hot water runs off gas. Plus a lovely garden with sea views. Perfect for couples or a group.

Click here to check availability and prices for El Fortín del Rubio on Booking.

Barra de Valizas

An alternative to a wilder stay in Cabo Polonio, the small beach town of Barra de Valizas is a little more developed. By that I mean it was electricity and wifi as standard.

But just because it has street lights, doesn’t mean that it hasn’t got a very rustic feel to it. Still expect dirt roads, wooden beach shacks and a bohemian vibe.

Things To Do in Barra de Valizas

Hike to cabo polonio.

The thing that makes this beach town one of the best places to visit in Uruguay isn’t actually in Barra de Valizas.

It’s a 20km round trip hike over the sand dunes to it’s wild neighbour Cabo Polonio. It’s take 2-3 hours each way so you have plenty of time to explore.

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You need to take a boat over a small river at the start, it’s $50 UYU (£1.10 GBP / £1.50 USD) return.

The boats run 8am – 8pm. You can hire sandboards from the guys there too for $150 UYU (£3.30 GBP / $4.50 USD) for the day. Which is good idea for saving some energy getting down the huge dunes. Take plenty of water with you.

Beach Chilling

One of the other best things to do in Barra de Valizas is just chill on the beach. The water is great for swimming.

Aside from that you won’t need to move far as sellars walk up and down all day selling delicious treats. Try the churros filled with dulce de leche – you won’t regret it.

Artisanal Market

During the evening there’s an artisanal market that sets up on the main street down to the beach. There’s jewellery and mate gourds and lots of cool souvenirs.

Definitely worth a peak if you want to pick up some reminders to take home of your trip to Uruguay.

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Where To Stay In Barra de Valizas

Budget – posada dos palmas.

A little walk away from the beach and main drag, this budget guest house has everything you need for a simple stay.

A basic breakfast provided each morning and kitchen facilities are good for cooking for yourself. The rooms have mosquitos nets and the wifi is good.

Click here to check availability and prices for Posada dos Palmas on Booking.

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Mid-range – Luna & Zoé

Situated right on the beach, there are more basic dorm rooms and private rooms equipped with a small kitchen and sea view balconies.

The property has a garden, a terrace and BBQ facilities. A buffet breakfast is provided each morning and there is free parking available.

Click here to check availability and prices for Luna & Zoé on Booking.

Luxury – Posada Valizas

This guesthouse gets all the little details just right. Fresh flowers on the tables and a cozy fire for cooler nights.

Guests particularly love the private and enchanting garden. A continental breakfast is served each morning. There’s mosquito nets and the wifi works well.  

Click here to check availability and prices for Posada Valizas on Booking.

3 places to visit in uruguay

A travel adaptor that works anywhere in the world? Yes please. It’s one of the most useful things we own & an absolute essential for your trip. This one’s lightweight, durable & also has 1 USB-C port and 2 standard USBs. Get one in your bag.

Punta Del Diablo

Despite becoming more popular over recent years and attracting more development to boot, this hippy beach town is still managing to retain it’s rough and ready vibe.

We’ve been here twice in recent years so it definitely scores high on our best places to visit in Uruguay.

Things To Do In Punta Del Diablo

Cocktails on the beach.

A stop by Punta del Diablo is all about getting in some serious beach time.

Long, wide and wild, the hardest thing to do in this popular Uruguayan beach town is to pick your spot.

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Santa Teresa National Park

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous you can head into Santa Teresa Park to explore.

Although to be honest it’s more of a camping spot than actually hiking as most of it is along roads. There’s some pretty views and beaches and a fort to visit though.

If you’re a keen surfer, Punta del Diablo is going to be right up your street. And I say keen, because the waves here are humongous.

There’s some quieter bays for learner lessons but mainly expect some serious swells from Devil’s Point as the town is called in English.

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Where To Stay In Punta Del Diablo

Budget – patas negras b&b   .

This seriously funky place to stay is a little walk away main street and beaches, however it is honestly one of our favourite accommodations we have ever stayed in.

Off the grid tiny wooden houses with an outside communal cooking area. Expect to enter a serious chill zone.

Click here to check availability and prices for Patas Negras B&B on Booking.

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Mid-range – Posada de la Viuda

Close to the bus station and just a few hundred meters from the beach, this property is treat.

Complete with a swimming pool, all rooms come with air conditioning, wifi and an ensuite bathroom. The breakfast gets great reviews and there is BBQ that you can use too.

Click here to check availability and prices for Posada de la Viuda on Booking.

Jacuzzi with a sea view? Located right on the beach with private balconies, an a la carte breakfast can be served to your room at no extra cost.

There’s also a beach bar with private use of sun umbrellas, chairs and beach towels. This place is pure lap of luxury.

Heading up to the Brazilian border is one of Uruguay’s most interesting destinations.

The intriguing if not rather unusual town of Chuy, lies half in Uruguay and half in Brazil. You literally walk across the street and you’re in another country.

There’s not much going on here so we wouldn’t recommend staying overnight , in fact it seems a little sketchy after dark if we’re honest with you.

But if you’re in the market for cheap electronics or need to top up on cheap food and drink, this is your place because it’s tax free.

Sarah on the Border of Uruguay and Brazil

If you’re crossing into Brazil , it’s an easy border crossing. Just bear in mind that on Sundays the buses only run once, very early.

It’s best to pick a different day, because we missed it and ended having to book a last minute dodgy hotel where we’d have stayed in Punta del Diablo if we’d known.

San Gregorio de Polanco

If you want to experience Uruguay away from the touristic beach areas, this small town is a little gem.

It’s got a proper old town feel, that in some parts feel frozen in time. But the residents were so welcoming to us. Definitely one of our favourite places to visit in Uruguay.

Situated on the edge of the massive Rincón del Bonete Lagoon, it’s a pretty place with surprisingly a lot of things to do compared with the size of it.

If you drive there by car from the coast, there’s an added bit of excitement as you will need to drive onto the ferry crossing.

Things To Do In San Gregorio de Polanco

Street art & sculpture tour.

This alone is worth coming to San Gregorio de Polanco for. From 1993 the town also became known as the Open Museum of Visual Arts in Latin America.

With well over a hundred colorful murals and unusual sculptures adorning it’s streets. Even the pavements are painted in parts.

3 places to visit in uruguay

You’ll be able to grab a map from wherever you are staying and walk around self guided. There’s a few different routes.

It’s a really great way to get to know the town. And if you get hungry while exploring around grab yourself a torta frita from the main square.

Explore the Lagoon

The Rincón del Bonete Lagoon is so huge that standing on its shores, it actually just looks like the sea.

The beaches are really something and the water is clear, great for swimming or kayaking. Heading out fishing on the lagoon is also a popular activity if that’s your thing.

3 places to visit in uruguay

Pizza and Beers

After a day exploring the street art and the lagoon, we’d recommend settling down for sunset at this fabulous little spot – Cerveceria el Peregrino.

They have local artisanal beers and make some cracking pizzas. This is the address – Dr. Sergio Arbiza, 45200.

Where to stay in San Gregorio de Polanco

Budget – hostel san gregorio  .

A old ranch, this place has some serious character to it. Outside it’s facade is home to one of the towns murals, inside there’s a charming red-tiled patio decorated with potted plants.

The rooms have rustic wood furnishings and there is a well equipped common kitchen to use.

Click here to check availability and prices for Hostel San Gregorio on Booking.

3 places to visit in uruguay

Mid-range – Bali Hotel Boutique

Complete with outdoor pool and Indonesian décor, air conditioned rooms with spa baths are available.

Wifi is available throughout, there’s a 24 hour reception and a continental breakfast is provided. There’s onsite parking and free bikes available for your use.

Click here to check availability and prices for Bali Hotel Boutique on Booking.

Termas del Daymán

A tourist town that has sprung up around Uruguay’s most popular thermal natural springs, there’s only really one reason to come to Termas del Daymán but it’s a good one.

We went to the public ones but there are also private ones that are part of upmarket spas and hotels.

The municipal thermal springs are open from 8am until 10.30pm daily and the entrance fee is $180 UYU (£4 GBP / $5.40 USD). Once you have your wristband you can come and go as you please. It does get really busy and there are lots of families.

3 places to visit in uruguay

But we once in the water, you can’t fail to relax. We found a quieter corner of one of the pool and took a book, it was great.

Food is average but reasonably priced. Be sure to take a padlock with you to use the lockers. The facilities are spotless and well managed.

Where To Stay in Termas del Daymán

Mid-range – complejo containers df  .

An unusual but very comfortable set up. This is where we stayed on our Uruguay road trip stop off.

The containers accommodate up to 4 people and there’s plenty of space. The kitchen is small but well equipped and there’s a BBQ outside. It’s air conditioned but there’s no wifi.

Click here to check availability and prices for Complejo Containers DF on Booking.

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Luxury – Los Naranjos Resort & Spa Termal

Surrounded by orange trees, spacious air conditioned rooms come with minibars and furnished patio areas.

The stars of the show are the bathrooms though, which include spa baths with thermal water. There’s a deluxe breakfast and indoor and outdoor thermal pools.

Click here to check availability and prices for Los Naranjos Resort on Booking.

A busy city dating back to 1756, Salto borders with the Uruguay River and Argentina.

It’s only a few miles away from Termas del Daymán and so staying here is another option. There’s an abundance of beautiful stunning architecture and pretty squares.

3 places to visit in uruguay

We wandered around for a few hours, taking a break from the thermal springs and it was well worth it.

If you do opt to stay here and don’t have a car there are regular local buses that run between Salto and the thermal springs.

Where To Stay In Salto

Budget – un lugar para compartir  .

If you’d like to experience staying with a local Uruguayan family, this will be right up your street.

It’s nothing fancy, but it’s homely and the hosts have great reviews. You can use the kitchen if you wish to cook for yourself.

Click here to check availability and prices for Un lugar para compartir on Booking.

Mid-range – Gran Hotel Uruguay

Close to the main square and just 10 minutes from the bus station, this hotel has a great location.

There’s wifi, private parking and a daily continental breakfast is provided. Guests have free access to nearby Salto Grande Water Park.

Click here to check availability and prices for Gran Hotel Uruguay on Booking.

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Uruguay’s equivalent of Provence in France or Tuscany in Italy, this quaint and rustic part of Uruguay is surrounded by vineyards.

The preferred mode of transport is horseback or bicycle. Great for taking it down a notch or two while enjoying a glass of wine, or five.

Things To Do In Carmelo

Winery tour.

The main producer of increasingly worldwide popular grape variety, Tannat. But the wineries also produce plenty of other wines.

It’s best to email the wineries first to book in your tasting session, then simply hire a bike and make your way around.

Or you can opt for a guided tour and have it all arranged for you. Just bear in mind that if you have hired a car, Uruguay has a zero tolerance when it comes to drinking and driving.

You can also take day trip wine tasting tours to Carmelo from nearby Colonia del Sacramento.

3 places to visit in uruguay

Horse Riding

Another fabulous way of exploring Carmelo is by horseback. There is so much greenery and nature surrounding this installment on our list of the best places to visit in Uruguay.

Plus you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time pretending to be gaucho for the day.

Where To Stay In Carmelo

Mid-range – ah’lo posada hostel boutique.

A tastefully refurbished antique house with lovely patio and outdoor barbecue facilities.

There are lots of restaurants nearby or you can prepare your own meals in the well-equipped common kitchen. Air conditioned rooms and a full continental breakfast come as standard.

Click here to check availability and prices for AH’LO Posada on Booking.

Luxury – Narbona Wine Lodge

If you fancy treating yourself, a stay on one of Carmelo’s wineries is highly recommended. And Narbona is one of the best.

Offering an outdoor pool, a la carte restaurant and bikes for your use, you are able to roam around the vineyards at your leisure.

Click here to check availability and prices for Narbona Wine Lodge on Booking.

Colonia del Sacramento

The last stop on our mission to seek out the best places to visit in Uruguay and it was a belter. Seriously this place is so pretty.

It was listed as a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site in 1995 and has a completely different feel to it compared to other Uruguay towns we visited.

3 places to visit in uruguay

Initially a Portuguese settlement built around the naturally deep port, it was a well fought over access point to the continent. And switched between Spanish and Portuguese rule a few times before Uruguay won its independence.

Colonia is a popular day trip from Buenos Aires, with the ferry crossing taking just over an hour. But it’s also a lovely spot to spend a couple of days, wandering the streets, taking in the atmosphere and relaxing on the beach.

Things To Do In Colonia

The historic centre.

The prettiest part of Colonia del Sacramento. The Historic Centre, or Barrio Historico in Spanish, is all about cobbled streets, crumbling architecture and vintage cars.

Don’t miss the Street of Sighs (Calle De Los Suspiros), the City Gate (Portón de Campo) and the lighthouse (Faro). You can climb up to the top for a small fee of $30 UYU (£0.70 GBP / $0.90 USD).

3 places to visit in uruguay

Rent Some Bikes

If you have a little more time and fancy exploring further afield, head up along the colourfully decorated Rambla. You can rent some bikes, take the tourist bus or simply walk.

You’ll find San Benito Chapel (Capilla San Benito) and the old collapsing Bull Ring (Plaza de Torres) up that way. As well as lots of DIY BBQ spots along the beach if you fancy a cook up.

Harbour Sunsets

The sunsets over Colonia del Sacramento harbour are downright spectacular, simply find yourself a bench or spot on the wall and watch the show.

And if you fancy a beer after head over to Barbot for some delicious craft beer. Bonus points if you’re in Colonia on Thursday because it’s half price beers 8pm – 10pm.

3 places to visit in uruguay

Where To Stay In Colonia

Budget – el viajero colonia hostel.

Right next to the old town and a short walk from the beach, this hostel gas an ideal location.

The colorful decor matches the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. We really enjoyed our stay here. There’s daily breakfast, communal BBQs and often live musicians playing.

Click here to check availability and prices for El Viajero Colonia Hostel on Booking.

Mid-range – Posada Del Virrey

Set inside an old colonial-style building, this hotel features a charming central courtyard with marble chequered floors.

Elegantly rooms have air-conditioning and private bathrooms with baths. A buffet breakfast of croissants, fresh juices and regional jams is served daily.

Click here to check availability and prices for Posada Del Virrey on Booking.

Luxury – Charco Hotel

Situated in the old town, this hotel has one of the best-rated locations in Colonia with guests treated to either river or garden views.

There’s is an à la carte restaurant, excellent breakfasts served daily and each room is tastefully decorated in a modern farmhouse style.

Click here to check availability and prices for Charco Hotel on Booking.

Great Reads To Take To Uruguay:

Uruguay travel insurance.

If you haven’t left on your travels yet, or even if you have, don’t forget your travel insurance.

As we already said, Uruguay is a very safe country. But accidents happen all the time and the last thing you want is to be stuck abroad without good insurance. 

Our go to travel insurance provider is World Nomads. They have a no bullshit approach to policy & are perfect for adventurous travellers like us. Get a no obligation quote here:

You may also find useful:

  • How To Get From Buenos Aires To Montevideo
  • How To Get A Ferry From Buenos Aires To Montevideo

Pin Me For Later…

Punta del Diablo beach with text overlay The Best Places To Visit In Uruguay - Ultimate Guide

Yorkshire born & bred, Sarah is a professional blogger who loves to travel. Pushing her boundaries with new adventures is her jam, so you likely won’t find her in one place for too long. Also a serious Marmite addict. 

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Here’s everything you need to know about how to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. Including the quickest, the cheapest and the easiest routes.

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How to Get A Ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

Whether you’re heading to Colonia or Montevideo, look no further for everything you need to know about getting a ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay. 

Jana

Great guide! Thank you so much. It contains all the essentials to visit Uruguay. We went there last year and stayed in this modest and very charming place called La Alquimia-El Descanso: ( https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/33159674?wl_source=list&wl_id=4015642&role=wishlist_owner&adults=1&children=0&infants=0&source_impression_id=p3_1565103040_CJv64bk1NCeO0KZl ca)

I think it is an amazing place to stay if you want to disconnect from city life, at least for some days. Absolutely recommendable since Uruguayan countryside is worldwide known!

Lily

Hi there, thanks so much for your article – very very well written and laid out, really appreciate it :). I am interested in how much Spanish you speak and if you think it’d be okay to get around on the basics there? I speak English and some German but no Spanish – but I would of course take some courses and do a language tandem before I go. I am thinking of travelling there in a few months, very much encouraged by your article!

James McAlister

Hey Lily, thanks for your kind words about the post.

In answer to your question, we’re by no means fluent in Spanish, but we can get by in most situations. We’ve been to Uruguay a number of times, some before we started learning Spanish. Based on our experiences you shouldn’t have too many problems getting around with a few basics.

In the cities many people speak at least a bit of English, in the more rural areas it’s less common.

If you were to complete a course in preparation I’d say you’d be just fine 🙂 One thing to be aware of is Uruguayans have quite a unique accent which may take some getting used to. But after a couple of days you start to get to grips with it, it’s just worth noting for when you first arrive.

Enjoy your trip planning & let us know if there’s anything else we can help with!

Kiri

This was a super useful guide, and I’m so glad I happened upon it at the start of my readings about Uruguay. Thanks so much for all the effort you put into it!

Sarah McAlister

You’re so welcome Kiri – hope you have an awesome trip!

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Hi, we’re James & Sarah

3 places to visit in uruguay

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3 places to visit in uruguay

Adventures & Sunsets

One Week Uruguay Itinerary: A Comprehensive Uruguay Travel Guide

Posted on Last updated: March 16, 2023

I recently got the opportunity to spend one week in Uruguay , exploring every inch of its beautiful coastline to create this comprehensive Uruguay Itinerary. During my time in Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, Punta del Este , and road tripping up the coast, I put together the perfect Uruguay itinerary with the best places to see, stay, eat, and even watch the sunset all over Uruguay.

This itinerary is for those who want to make the most of their time in this country, accomplish the best things to do and see in Uruguay from big cities to beach towns, and make sure to explore as much as possible.

In my opinion, Uruguay is totally underrated in terms of countries to visit in South America. I’m not sure if it’s the small population (3.5m) or the fact that it’s a popular holiday destination mostly for rich Argentinians and Brazilians (and not much else). But, I’m here to try and launch Uruguay travel onto the radar of more travelers far and wide.

One week in Uruguay: Uruguay Itinerary for a week along the beautiful coast

Introduction to Uruguay

Before, I would never have thought “Uruguay” was synonymous with ‘miles of pristine sandy beaches,’ ‘luxurious beach parties,’ ‘colorful bohemian towns,’ or ‘fascinating colonial history,’ but my one week in Uruguay changed all that for me.

This quite affluent country really has it all. They quite literally have all the cows (there are 12 million cows to 3 million people… go figure) but in terms of scenery, the views during Uruguay travel can’t be rivaled – both of the coast and of rolling farming knolls for miles and miles.

I traveled by bus for some of my journey, and by rental car with Hertz Uruguay for the rest – which I also highly recommend in order to see more points of interest – I’ll go into more detail below!

I traveled like quite the flashpacker during my trip and stayed in cozy private rooms at El Viajero Hostels (as I love the privacy of my own room but the social aspects of a hostel as a solo traveler), but I will recommend accommodation in Uruguay for a range of budgets.

Uruguay Travel Itinerary: Getting to Uruguay

Ferry:  To get here, I took the easily accessible ferry to Colonia del Sacramento from  Buenos Aires.  There are ferry connections multiple times a day on Colonia Express between the two South American cities, and each day there are also connections to Montevideo and Punta del Este. So, it would be quite easy to take a ferry to Colonia and also ferry back to Buenos Aires from Punta del Este, which would obviously just take a little bit longer.

Fly:  You can fly into Montevideo from many international airports. Punta del Este has an airport too!

  • Check the cheapest flights to and from Uruguay  on CheapoAir

Quick Uruguay Travel Tips:

  • Montevideo Sunday Market:  Try to be in Montevideo on a Sunday, the day they have their incredible and massive city-wide street market.
  • Renting Cars in Uruguay:  You can rent a car and do this whole journey, or you can bus between places and spend a couple of days in each place. The main cities are easily connected by bus. However, in this Uruguay Itinerary, days 4-5 require a car so you can make the most of the coast and see lots of points along the coast that you cannot see by bus. But, you can always take a bus and spend an extra day on the beach rather than making these road trips (although I would recommend them!) Check out my guide to driving in Uruguay for reference.
  • Uruguayan Foods:  While in Uruguay, keep your eyes out for these popular foods: Asado (meat cooked over hot coals), mate (a tea that nearly everyone drinks), dulce de leche (a caramel-like spread eaten for breakfast and in sweets), Chivito (A Uruguayan steak sandwich).

colonia del sacramento urugyay guide

URUGUAY ITINERARY FIRST STOP: COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO

On the first day of your 1 week in Uruguay, you’ll arrive in the tiny, beautiful, UNESCO world heritage site of Colonia del Sacramento. A quick stroll down its tree-lined cobblestone streets and you’ll be reeled in by Colonia’s unique charm.

It’s located on a little peninsula, with the world’s widest river, the Rio de La Plata, visible from all sides. Little colorful colonial buildings make up most of the old town, often with equally picturesque flowers and vines crawling up the old, cracking walls.

Colonia del Sacramento used to be a Portuguese colonial town, and you can see how well lots of the parts of this old walled town have been preserved. It really feels like you have stepped back in time as you walk these streets -a true highlight in South America. Spend a couple of days here to get a cozy and nostalgic feeling of a time long passed.

Getting to Colonia del Sacramento

Ferries leave from Buenos Aires multiple times a day, so getting there by the early afternoon should be no problem. Colonia’s ferry terminal is right next to the bus station, and both are about a 10-minute walk to the center of town or to El Viajero.

el viajero hostels uruguay colonia private room

Where to Stay in Colonia del Sacramento

Here are my best recommendation of where to stay in Colonia for a range of budgets.

Budget to Mid: El Viajero Colonia

El Viajero is just outside what used to be the old town walls, and within walking distance to everything you could need to see. There’s a cozy common room, an outdoor patio where they have Uruguayan asado BBQ’s on the regular, a rooftop terrace for warm summer days, and beautiful design throughout.

As with all El Viajero Hostels, there are both private and dorm rooms available for a very affordable cost. All come with free delicious Uruguayan breakfast and the expert advice of workers, who helped me effectively plan out my day and a half in Colonia.

Mid to Luxe: Posada Plaza Mayor and Charco Hotel

If you want some ADORABLE boutique hotel options with original stone walls, leaf covered courtyards, and quaint spaces, both of these hotels are in the perfect locations.

Posada Plaza Mayor is a bit easier on the budget, and Charco hotel also offers a pool and balcony views.

Uruguay Itinerary Day 1: Colonia del Sacramento Town + Museums

For day one of your Uruguay itinerary, I recommend getting to Colonia del Sacramento as early as you can, to experience as much as possible! Once you get settled into your room, I recommend exploring the old town today.

My favorite thing to do in a new city, especially one as quaint and manageable as this, is to simply grab your camera and get wonderfully lost among the little streets.

While you do that, though, make sure to check out Colonia’s many museums. There are eight, and if you go inside the Municipal museum near the lighthouse you can purchase a ticket that is good for all of them! So today is all about exploring the old town and its museums.

Today, make sure to check out these spots (all visible on Google Maps):

  • The Lighthouse + Plaza Mayor ( Faro de Colonia del Sacramento ) and the two main parks near it, for these are some of the best photo ops and most beautiful and colorful places in the town.
  • Teatro Bastion del Carmen – This beautiful theater/art exhibit looks out on the water and is a beautiful space to explore.
  • Rambla del Colonia del Sacramento – The riverfront boardwalk (remember it’s a river and not the sea! you can even see Buenos Aires on a clear day) faces the sunset pretty perfectly, so it might be a good idea to end your adventure here to watch the sunset over the water.
  • Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento – a beautiful old white church right in the center of town
  • Wander the cobblestone streets – All the streets are lined for miles with massive trees, making them incredibly scenic and great for photos – especially in fall!
  • Feria Artesanal – this market is just past Teatro Bastion del Carmen, and has all sorts of local crafts to browse through.
  • Porton de Campo (The drawbridge entrance) – This used to be the drawbridge entrance to the old town, and is now a memorable stone wall and entrance that’s perfect for a photo op.

And these main museums as you go: (also visible on Google maps or maps you can get from the hostel)

  • Portuguese Museum – learn all about the Portuguese occupation of the town
  • Municipal Museum – general history and archeological sites of Colonia
  • Indigenous Museum – learn about the indigenous populations of Uruguay
  • Tile Museum (Museo de Azulejo) – history and various tiles from Europe and beyond
  • Regional Archives Museum – An old Portuguese house with documents and history of the city’s founding

If you’re up for it, finish up your day with dinner on the water at one of a few restaurants along the northern part of the peninsula. Alternatively, you can cook at the hostel, or grab a cheap bite from a restaurant two blocks from El Viajero that offers half price for takeaway food orders, and another 10% off if you pay with card. Done, and done!

colonia del sacramento rambla

Uruguay Itinerary Day 2 Part 1: Colonia

Although I recommend just one night in Colonia, I recommend making it into an almost-two days situation. Spend the night in Colonia, enjoy the breakfast, and then rent a bike to head up the Rambla.

Just outside the city are some gorgeous coastlines that are perfect for a morning bike ride up the street ‘Rambla Cristobal Colon.” You can rent bikes from El Viajero! This will take you past the artesanal market and past plenty of beaches and small hills to your right that serve as mini-lookout points across the bay and towards the old town.

Eventually you will reach Playa Urbana Real de San Carlos , where you can make your way into town and check out the Plaza de Toros. Enjoy some time up the coast and then head back into town for a last goodbye before grabbing a bus to Montevideo from the bus station (you can also rent cars – see below!)

uruguay itinerary 1 week montevideo streets

URUGUAY TRAVEL ITINERARY SECOND STOP: MONTEVIDEO

You can’t have a Uruguay itinerary without the capital! Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, and a big Metropolitan city centered around some beautiful squares and interesting historical quarters.

A Brief intro to Montevideo

Montevideo was actually formed by the Spanish as a sort of answer to the Portuguese colonizing in Colonia – there was a bit of a tiff between the two at that time. The Spanish gave land to a few families from Buenos Aires and the Canary Islands, and just like that, created the city.

The city has a very interesting history from that point – being ruled by the Spanish and Portuguese, becoming independent at the same time as Argentina, having the UK come in to help with disputes and control the ports for a time, and sadly like many other places in the world, having a genocide of indigenous people. To this day, 88% of Uruguayans are of European descent – leaving 10% of African descent mainly from the slave trade, and only 2% indigenous. Wow, right?

Today, Montevideo and Uruguay as a whole is one of the most progressive places in South America . It was one of the first in the area to legalize both cannabis and abortion, and is known for its forward-thinking ways and also for its super chilled out president who used to show up to his office in flip-flops. Like Colonia, the main town is situated on a little peninsula, but much bigger.

As I said above, try to be in Montevideo on a Sunday to experience the incredible Feria de Tristan Narvaja , honestly one of the host incredible, huge, and eclectic markets I have every been to on my travels. It would be perfect to have day 3 of this itinerary fall on a sunday, so you could go to the market in the morning and then leave for Punta del Este  in the early afternoon.

sunset from Montevideo Uruguay

Getting to Montevideo:

For the easiest Uruguay travel, busses run from Colonia to Montevideo ever hour or so, and cost 350-ish pesos. You can also choose to rent a car in Colonia and drive to Montevideo.

The Montevideo bus station, Tres Cruces, is a little bit out of town. Once you arrive you’ll want to grab either a public bus or a taxi to your accommodation.

3 places to visit in uruguay

Where to Stay in Montevideo

Budget to mid: el viajero montevideo.

El Viajero Montevideo is located near the heart of downtown, within walking distance to anything you could need to visit and within two blocks of the city’s main road. It’s got a huge open main room, with a high ceiling covered by a thin sunroof that lets natural light in.

There’s a common room to hang out, eat, and watch TV, along with a huge outdoor courtyard and hostel bar. There’s also a rooftop terrace for hot summer days – truly all you could need to meet people, hang out, and have space to chill.

Mid to Luxe: Alma Historica Boutique Hotel

Definitely the cutest boutique hotel in the city, Alma Historica Boutique Hotel is located at the end of the peninsula near the plaza and ferry port.

It’s in a historic building and has immaculate gaucho-themed rooms with incredible decor that will truly scream ‘Uruguay.’ It’s elegant yet modern and perfect for photo ops.

Montevideo Drink Tours

If you prefer tours, there are a few of them in this city you can squeeze into your itinerary:

  • Montevideo Beer Tour  – This city loves its craft beer!
  • Tannat Wine Tasting Tour  – A good alternative to a road trip

Uruguay Itinerary Day 2 Part 2: Arriving in Montevideo

Once you arrive at your accommodation, take some time to chill out. You can always check out some bars if it’s the weekend, but it has already been a busy day and this is the perfect afternoon to rest and prepare for the next couple of days. If you’re a nightlife person, this may be a good opportunity to try some bars and taste Uruguayan wine!

Uruguay Itinerary Day 3: Montevideo Old Town and Sights

Rise and shine, time to explore! After the free breakfast, I would recommend checking out the free walking tour, which meets in Plaza Independencia each day around 10:30 am (but maybe be different with weekends – check with your accommodation). Make sure to tip!

The free walking tour is the perfect introduction to the main areas of the city and the old town. In about 3 hours, the walking tour will take you through these sights (also visible on Google Maps):

  • Plaza Independencia  and the buildings and history surrounding it
  • Artigas Mausoleum
  • Old Town Entrance  (Puerta de la Ciudadela)
  • Teatro Solis
  • Constitution Square  (Plaza Matriz)
  • Matriz Church
  • Sarandi  – shopping street
  • Plaza Zabala

mercado del Puerto Montevideo what to do in Uruguay itinerary one week

Montevideo Food Market

Once the tour is over, head a few blocks over  Mercado del Puerto and grab a classic Uruguayan lunch of meat, meat, and more meat! Even if you’re a vegetarian, this place is worth walking around. It’s quite a spectacle to see all the different restaurants squeezed into this one, old train station-like building, with seats all around an open counter surrounding MASSIVE asado barbecues cooking everything you could imagine.

It’s not the cheapest meal, but it’s a Uruguayan classic – so you can write it off under ‘experiencing local food and culture!’ The streets around here are also very lively with markets and shopping. You can’t miss it while traveling Uruguay!

Montevideo Museums + Main Street

Next, wrap up anything else you may have wanted to return to in old town and head out on the main road, Av 18 de Julio . There are a few more main squares along this road, lots of shopping, and a few more points of interest you may want to check out. Here are some of the places you can spend the remainder of your afternoon at:

  • Museo del Tango Tango Museum (Plaza Independencia)
  • Museum of Cannabis – yes, I’m serious 😛
  • Centro de Fotografia de Montevideo –  Photography Exhibits
  • Future Museum of Natural History
  • Andes 1972 Museum – info about and tributes to a mysterious 1972 Andes plane crash
  • Squares + Plazas – Plaza Juan Pedro Fabini, Plaza de Cagancha
  • Fuente los Candados – A fountain covered in locks that lovers are destined to return to have their love be locked, should they place a lock on it.
  • Contemporary Art Apace  – this is an old jail turned into a center for art exhibitions.

If you have time, today or tomorrow you can also make your way to the end of Av 18 de Julio to the central stadium the Estadio Centenario . Much like Argentina, futbol can be considered the ‘local religion’ here, and Uruguay has actually won the world cup twice!

No Uruguay travel guide would be complete without mentioning futbol. At the estadio Centenario, you can find a huge park, a few historical statues and monuments, and the main point of interest, a futbol museum.

If you can make it back, I suggest watching the sunset tonight from the long jetty on the outside of the old town. This old jetty perfectly faces the sunset over the water, and if you’re lucky you might even get to watch a huge old tanker ship sail out of the harbor!

Tonight, you can either check out one of Montevideo’s many highly rated restaurants, cook in the hostel, or find some takeaways to eat before a night out. As always, choose your own adventure!

rent a bike Montevideo rambla uruguay itinerary one week

Uruguay Itinerary Day 4: Montevideo: Rambla and Punta Carretas

Now that you’ve seen just about all of the city center, it’s time to explore Montevideo’s many amazing beaches. The best way to do this is by renting a bike, of course!

I rented a bike from Hertz Uruguay in Punta Carretas before renting a car there, and it was quite easy and foolproof and allowed me to have the bike for 24 hours before riding it back to Hertz to pick up my car. But you can also rent bikes from most hotels and other places in the city too.

Ride the Rambla

Montevideo’s Rambla, or waterfront path, is actually a full 22km long. If you’re a super-adventurer you might even want to ride the whole thing today – it’s totally not impossible in a day on a bike; in fact, it could be quite leisurely if you took your time to stop at different beaches all day.

The Rambla runs from the old town (where you watched sunset yesterday) to a smaller neighboring town called Ciudad de la Costa. For a good adventure, I would look to maybe make it to Playa Honda or Playa Verde (visible on google maps!) but you can bike as long or as short as you’d like.

You will pass by tons of beaches, viewpoints, parks, overlooks, and views on the Rambla, and can, as always, choose your own adventure on where to stop and hang out.

3 places to visit in uruguay

Montevideo Beaches

On your adventure, make sure not to miss the first beach on the other side of the peninsula: Playa de los Pocitos . This is the classic Montevideo view that you see in photos and postcards. It’s the long, sandy beach bordered by tall modern buildings, and it’s absolutely beautiful! There’s also a big ‘Montevideo’ sign at the eastern side (farthest from the city) that faces said beach and buildings for the best photo op in the city.

After your big bike ride, you can check out the other main part of town apart from old town: Punta Carretas and Trouville. This is an affluent part of town with beautiful streets, nice eateries, and shopping galore. They actually have another free walking tour through this part of town each day at 3pm if you would be so inclined.

Sunset today: Today, make sure not to miss the sunset from the point right across from Punta Carretas of the same name. You can drive right to the end of the point to the Punta Brava Lighthouse , and the sunset from there is equally spectacular and right over the water behind the town.

For dinner, feel free to grab a bite in that area or head back into the main town. I do recommend renting a car today to be ready for tomorrow morning to have a full day on the road.

Feria de Tristan Narvaja Montevideo market Uruguay itinerary one week

Scenes from the Sunday Market  

Uruguay Itinerary Day 5: Montevideo to Punta Del Este

Today is a big road trip day – the first of two! If you were able to make this day fall on a Sunday, it would be the perfect opportunity to check out Montevideo’s incredible city-wide street market. The Feria de Tristan Narvaja is a market in South America that happens each week without fail.

Like I said above, it’s one of the most diverse and eclectic markets I have ever been to. Need a remote? Seaweed? A fish tank? An ancient camera? Any possible second-hand clothing or accessories you could think of? New boots? Lensless glasses frames? Fresh fruit and veg? Perfect, because they have it here. The market starts around 8 but gets busy around 10 or so – spend a few hours getting lots and finding bargains; I guarantee you won’t leave empty-handed.

If you decide not to rent a car, you can get the bus to Punta Del Este and it takes about 2-3 hours. But, renting a car is truly the best way to get the most out of the amazing coastline. You know I have terrible fomo and wanted to see all the possible points of interest, so I truly think you’ll want to rent a car for the best Uruguay travel options.

el aguillo uruguay drive

I recommend finishing with the market by the early afternoon in order to have plenty of time to stop along the beautiful coast for your road trip. If you can, take the coastal route the whole way so you’ll always be next to the ocean!

Montevideo to Punta Del Este Road Trip

As I have already mentioned multiple times, I rented my car for my Uruguay road trip from Hertz Uruguay. They made it painless and easy for me to rent a car in Montevideo and return it in Punta del Este, and as I mentioned they also made it easy for me to rent bikes to make the most of these cities too (see day 4 in Montevideo!).

Before you get on the road, make sure to check out my Tips for Driving in Uruguay. Then, you’ll be all set!

Here are some great road trip stops on the way from Montevideo to Punta del Este (mostly visible on Google Maps – or view them in full  deatil in my Uruguay Road Trip blog post right here (recommended!).

tips and tricks for driving in uruguay - what to know before renting a car

  • Sand dunes along the rambla – the Montevideo Rambla keeps going past beautiful expanses of beaches and small sand dunes
  •   El Aguillo – A huge eagle statue that used to be the home of an Italian artist
  • Atlantida – cute tiny beach town
  • Castillo de Francisco Piria – A castle to visit just off the main highway
  • Piriapolis – beautiful beach town
  • Cerro San Antonio – a hill with an incredible view of the sunset and Piriapolis
  • Casapueblo –  incredible and famous white beachfront hotel and museum.

Casapueblo is a VERY special stop in this Uruguay travel guide, so make sure to leave enough time to get here far before sunset. They actually close just before sunset (the last entry is about 30 min before) so make sure to time it right!

This is an absolutely incredible work of architectural art by famous artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. The hotel also serves as a museum displaying all sorts of different mediums of his art, and quite possibly is home to the best sunset in the country (although there are so many good ones!) Apparently they read his poetry each evening too, so it’s a great place to end the daylight of this awesome day and watch the sun go down.

Punta del Este is about 30 mins from here, so you’ll be able to catch the last few ounces of daylight before arriving! Since you’ll be arriving after dark there’s not too much point to explore today, but as one of the nightlife capitals of Latin America you are perfectly on time to head out to the bars.

punta del este sunset spots - mate and the sunset uruguay itinerary

URUGUAY TRAVEL ITINERARY THIRD STOP: PUNTA DEL ESTE

I’ve been told that Punta del Este is the ‘St Tropez of Latin America,’ and I could totally see how that’s a thing. Although I was here in winter, I could just picture the long sandy beaches lined by huge Miami-style hotels + apartment complexes just bustling with people in the summer sun. This is where the elite of Buenos Aires and Brazil come to party, and spend money on lavish beach clubs and yachts along the coast.

Brief Intro to Punta Del Este

Situated on a little peninsula with a protected harbor on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Punta del Este is perfectly situated to be a party city – and an expensive one at that. There are high-end shopping streets in the center of the city, with artisan markets to balance them out. There are points in the center of the peninsula where you can see the sea on all 4 sides!

Needless to say, there are beautiful beaches everywhere. On the west, the sun sets right over the bay and many city-dwellers gather along the coastline with their mate gourds and thermoses to watch the sunset while sharing their tea. On the east, there are sandy beaches for miles and some pretty famous sculptures, such as Los Dedos (the fingers) in a massive hand coming out of the sand.

The party doesn’t stop here, though – the bustling towns continue all the way up the coast almost to the border of Brazil, where you can find quaint little beach towns with colorful buildings and surf schools all along the coast. Of course, I wanted to discover these little towns too, which is why I have included a road trip day in this adventurous Uruguay itinerary so you can discover them too!

el viajero boutique hostel punta de este living room uruguay one week

Where to Stay in Punta del Este

Budget to mid: el viajero.

El Viajero Punta del Este, just like the other locations, is centrally located right at the base of the peninsula and within walking distance to the beach, the harbor, and everything else! This one has a lovely outdoor bar and restaurant that gets packed with travelers in the busy season.

As it was in the past few days, my private room was beautiful and hotel-like and looked out over the street. I really appreciated to have my own space to work but still to be able to socialize and meet fellow travelers in the common area.

Mid to Luxe: The Grand Hotel

This is a a bit more of a splurge, but if you want to get amongst the high-rise buildings and luze lifestyle of PDE, this is a great choice. This hotel is right on the beach ad offers great views and high-class amenities!

Uruguay Road Trip Hertz Uruguay itinerary Punta del este to punta del diablo jose ignacio

Uruguay farmland views

Uruguay Itinerary Day 6: Punta del Este Road Trip up the Coast

To fully pack out your Uruguay travel guide with adventures, I would spend today driving up the coast with your rental car. Hertz was totally fine with me dropping the car off in Punta del Este, and after an epic road trip from Montevideo, you’ll be even more blown away by this road trip along even more beaches.

Start your day early, and make sure to fill up breakfast as fuel for the journey. Make sure to get going as early as you can, though, so you have enough time to enjoy some amazing Uruguay coastal road trip stops.

Don’t forget to read all about the Uruguay driving tips to know before your Road Trip. Click Here!

And, here we go! Here are the places you should stop on your Uruguay road trip from Punta del Este – reaching as far as Punta del Diablo. I did this road trip in one jam-packed day, but if you have more time in the summer you should totally stay a few nights in these different beach towns to get a great feel for the amazing boho-chic vibe of the Uruguayan coast.

Don’t forget to chekc my Perfect Uruguay Road Trip Route for more info on all the stops listed below.

Aguas dulces uruguay itinerary one week

Here are the best road trip stops from Punta del Este, all visible on Google Maps!

  • Puente de la Barra –  This is a super cool, literally wavy bridge. It’s really interesting and it feels like a rollercoaster to drive on.
  • La Barra – super trendy strip of bars, cafes, and restaurants along the water. Might want to consider getting brekkie here.
  • Jose Ignacio – This is a tiny little beach town with beautiful, massive mansions and a lighthouse. There’s a good coffee shop in the main square.
  • La Paloma/La Pedrera – Surprise! More beautiful beach towns with amazing homes overlooking them.
  • Cabo Polonio National Park   – You’ll have to time this one right. Cabo Polonio is a National Park located on a sand dune peninsula, and you cannot actually drive in. You have to take a big 4WD safari-type vehicle that goes in every hour or two. The journey takes 30 mins and you can explore the little sandy town and, as usual, beach it. This could be a good place to end your day for sunset or spend a night if you are so inclined.
  • Aguas Dulces – A colorful little beach town with miles of sandy coastline and even a nude beach.
  • Punta del Diablo – A bit bigger beach town that truly comes alive in the summertime. It’s lovely and sleepy in the winter – with beachy boardwalks, fisherman, and a great sea views by day (or in winter). The population explodes in the summer where there’s a colorful strip of bars and clubs right on the beach that explore with party people and vacationers.

Phew! That was fun, wasn’t it?! It’s definitely a fast pace for a one day trip, but if you’re like me you want to see it all no matter how much time you have. If nothing else take these tips as a road trip guide and take as much time as you need! Today you can grab dinner on the road, or when you get back to Punta del Este.

uruguay itinerary one week rio de la plata atlantic ocean

Uruguay Itinerary Day 7: Punta del Este

Hopefully you got some good rest after your road trip, because today it’s time to explore Punta del Este Uruguay itself! There’s loads to do in this little city, and luckily you can reach most of the points of interest on a nice little walk from the hostel.

Today I recommend doing just that – taking yourself on a city walking tour (or taking a walking tour from the hostel) to enjoy the main points of the city, watching the sunset over the water, and checking out the bar scene if you feel so inclined! It’s the last day on this Uruguay travel guide so make sure to make the most of it.

I actually have a specific guide to Punta del Este that gives you all the details on things to do in Punta del Este in one day along with extra things to check out if you have more time. Check it out by clicking here.

In summary, here are a few things you can check out (visible on Google Maps):

  • Los Dedos –  famous hand sculpture
  • Atlantic beaches and surf spots
  • Isla de Los Lobos and the 3rd tallest lighthouse in the world
  • Punta del Este’s old lighthouse ( Faro de Punta del Este )
  • The intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the Rio de la Plata – at the end of the peninsula near Great Britain Square
  • Punte del Este Harbor –  sea lion-spotting and fresh fish
  • Bar strip along the water on Rambla G’ral Artigas
  • High-end shopping and artisan markets on Calle 20
  • Sunset views all along the western Rambla

Alternative Options: Punta del Este Tours

  • Gourmet Winery Experience from Punta del Este
  • Wine Tasting in Jose Ignacio

After watching the sunset over the western Rambla – from the gazebo, a picnic spot on the grass, or even one of many little piers – you should take yourself out or one last Uruguayan dinner before wrapping up your one week in Uruguay with a night out on the town.

Did you enjoy this adventurous one week in Uruguay itinerary?! Was it too much to squeeze in, or was it just right? Let me know in the comments, and thanks for coming along!

One week Uruguay Itinerary including Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, Punta del Este, and a road trip along Uruguays beautiful Atlantic coast!

The Perfect Uruguay Road Trip: Places to Visit in Uruguay Along the Coast

Wednesday 25th of July 2018

[…] you’d like to start in Colonia del Sacramento, check my Uruguay Itinerary for things to do there and in Montevideo. This route will start in Montevideo and go through all […]

Visiting Iguazu Falls: A 2-3 Day Itinerary + Hotel from Puerto Iguazu

Tuesday 24th of July 2018

[…] One Week Uruguay Itinerary […]

Saturday 21st of July 2018

This is absolutely exquisite! I love the colors, especially in Colonia del Sacramento. And a walking tour of Old Town Montevideo would definitely be on my to-do list. I had no idea Hertz rented bikes in some cities, so thanks for that tip!

Uruguay has just moved a couple of spots towards the top of my to-do list thanks to this really detailed and inspiring post. Well done, Kimmie.

Sunday 22nd of July 2018

haha so glad I could help you move it up a few spots and so glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks so much!

I have been dying to go to Uruguay and now that feeling is even stronger after reading this post! Although oh my gosh you did so much in a week! Amazing.

I know right - it was truly a jam-packed week but thats how I like it! :) Let me knoe if you need any trip planning help when you go!

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The Best Places to Visit in Uruguay

One of the best places to visit in Uruguay

Are you wondering what the best places are to visit in Uruguay?

Uruguay is a small country located in South America that tourists often overlook. It has a lot to offer though.

From the beautiful beaches of Punta del Este to the charming village of Colonia del Sacramento, there is something for everyone in Uruguay.

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in South America, you want to visit Uruguay!

In this article I’ll share with you the top places to visit in Uruguay and what each place has to offer.

1. Punta Del Este

Punta del Este, one of the best places to visit in Uruguay

Punta del Este is Uruguay’s most popular tourist destination.

This beach town is home to beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, and trendy restaurants. It’s often nicknamed the Saint-Tropez of South America.

Punta del Este is known for its good nightlife and is a popular destination for surfers as well.

If you are looking for a lively beach destination in Uruguay , Punta del Este is the place for you!

La Mano, a sculpture in Punta Del Este

And, if you go to Punta del Este, do visit the famous giant ‘Fingers of Punta Del Este’!

Where to Stay in Punta Del Este

High-end option: The Grand Hotel

Mid-range option: Atlantico Boutique Hotel

Budget option: RocaMar Hostel Boutique

2. Colonia Del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is a historic city founded by Portuguese settlers in 1680.

The city has many buildings from this period and is known as one of the best-preserved colonial cities in South America . In fact, its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s also home to some fantastic restaurants serving good local cuisine.

Discover some of the museums, theater, art and handicrafts while you are exploring this top place to visit in Uruguay.

Where to Stay in Colonia Del Sacramento

High-end option: Charco Hotel

Mid-range option: Costa Colonia Riverside Boutique Hotel

Budget option: Posada Mela

3. Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio is a small, remote town located on the coast of Uruguay. Most of the houses have no electricity or running water and in the evenings the town is dressed in candles and street lamps.

The town is surrounded by dunes, lagoons, and beaches, making it a great place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

There is no road going into Cabo Polonia , which adds to the uniqueness of this destination. There are three ways to visit Cabo Polonio and its beautiful beaches: walking the almost 6 kilometers of sand dunes, taking a Jeep or special truck, or on horseback.

What began as a small fishing village has slowly grown into a tourist destination offering handicrafts and tourist activities. But, because it’s not as easy to get to as nearby Valizas and Aguas Dulces, it retains more of a quiet, off-grid vibe.

Where to Stay in Cabo Polonia

Mid-range option:  La Cañada Cabo Polonia

Budget option:  Viejo Lobo

4. Montevideo

The Plaza Independencia in Montevideo

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and a bustling city full of culture and history .

The city has a great mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check out the Mercado del Puerto, a vibrant market full of local color and flavor.

If you’ve visited other Latin American capital cities you might be surprised by how laid-back Montevideo is. Instead of traffic jams and potholes you’ll find well-paved roads and relatively quiet streets.

It’s also not a massive city, making it easy to explore in just a few days.

Book a walking tour through the old city, or a bike tour to see even more of Montevideo.

Montevideo definitely is one of the best places to visit in Uruguay.

Where to Stay in Montevideo

High-end option: Alma Histórica Boutique Hotel

Mid-range option:  FAUNA Montevideo

Budget option:  MedioMundo Hostel

Salto, Uruguay

Salto is Uruguay’s second-largest city. It’s built on the banks of the Uruguay River and borders Argentina.

The city dates back to 1756 and offers several national historic landmarks including the Larrañaga Theater and the traditional 18 de Julio market.

In the center of the city, Calle Uruguay is a lively shopping street lined with cafes. On weekends in the evenings this is a popular hangout for locals to socialize and drink mate .

But, the most popular reason to visit Salto is to go to Termas del Daymán, just southeast of the city. Termas del Daymán has natural hot springs and outdoor pools and spas .

North of the city you’ll find Lake Salto Grande and the Salto Grande Dam. There are natural observation circuits here, white sandy beaches, forested parks, and a water park.

Where to Stay Around Salto

High-end option: Altos del Arapey Golf & Spa (far from the city but a beautiful hotel)

Mid-range option:  Hotel La Posta del Dayman

Budget option:  Apart Hotel Géminis

6. La Paloma

the Faro Cabo Santa María, a lighthouse to visit in La Paloma

La Paloma is a beautiful beach town located in the Rocha Department of Uruguay.

The city has long sandy beaches and is a popular summer destination for both South Americans and Europeans.

Surfing , swimming, sunbathing, whale watching, and bird watching are popular activities here.

La Paloma is also home to some fantastic seafood restaurants with fresh fish daily, plus you’ll often find free concerts to enjoy.

Where to Stay in La Paloma

High-end option: UY Pro Sur Hotel

Mid-range option:  Sotavento Apart Hotel

Budget option: Las Cabañas de Ana

7. Punta Del Diablo

A fishing boat on the beach in Punta del Diablo

Punta del Diablo is a small fishing village located in the Rocha Department of Uruguay.

The town has a laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches , making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation on their vacation.

In summer (December to February), the town is a popular destination for tourists and backpackers looking to surf or enjoy the beaches.

Outside of the summer season, the town is very quiet and a good place to visit if you want to get away from it all.

The Santa Teresa Fort

If you want a break from the beaches, go to Santa Teresa National Park. Located just north of the town, this national park boasts an 18th-century fort and nice trails.

Where to Stay in Punta Del Diablo

High-end option: Mar Adentro Apart Hotel & Suites

Mid-range option:  Posada Las Maravillas

Budget option:  Coral Apartment

The town of Carmelo

Carmelo is a small town located on the Rio de la Palta, the river that forms the border between Argentina and Uruguay.

The town offers some nice riverside beaches and is surrounded by vineyards .

Carmelo has long been a favorite of the Argentinian elite and is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a luxury trip or perhaps a romantic getaway. That being said, there are plenty of inexpensive places to stay around Carmelo as well.

Visit one of the boutique wineries to enjoy the high-quality local wine and soak up the scenery.

Go horseback riding to enjoy the countryside or spend the day fishing, kayaking, or playing golf.

Where to Stay in Carmelo

High-end option: El Legado Wine Lodge

Mid-range option:  Mykonos Carmelo

Budget option: La Tortuga Casas de Campo

9. Tacuarembó

A gaucho and his cows outside of Tacuarembó

Tacuarembó is a city in northwestern Uruguay known for its gaucho culture.

The city is surrounded by wide open plains, rolling hills, and picturesque villages, making it a great destination for those who love nature and animals.

The best time to visit Tacuarembó is during the Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha. This big annual event celebrates regional countryside life and customs.

The event takes place on the second weekend of March, on Lavanderas Lake. It remains a very traditional event, with most attendees being somehow connected to the gaucho culture of Northern Uruguay.

Where to Stay in Tacuarembó

Mid-range option:  Cabañas Vista Verde

10. Piriapolis

Piriapolis

Piriapolis is a resort town with a very Mediterranean feel , located on the south coast of Uruguay.

The city has beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and is a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

If you are traveling with your family , this is a good place to go.

Pirapolis has a beautiful promenade and it’s a great city to explore by bicycle. Do take the chairlift up San Antonio Hill for a stunning view of the area.

Where to Stay in Piriapolis

High-end option: Skyblue Apart Hotel Punta Colorada

Mid-range option:  Mar y Arte

Budget option: Luna Azul

11. Durazno

Christopher Columbus monument in Durazno

Durazno is the most central city in Uruguay, located on the banks of the Yi River.

It’s a nice small city with shops, restaurants and historic buildings. There is a good museum, Casa de Rivera, focusing on Uruguayan archaeology, Gaucho art, and local history.

The city is famous for its beaches on the Yí River, its cheerful citizens, and its popular festivals including the Folklore Festival and the ‘Meeting of the Gauchos’.

Where to Stay in Durazno

Mid-range option:  Hotel Central

12. Paysandú

The Basilica of Paysandú

Paysandú is a city located on the banks of the Uruguay River and is known for its beautiful architecture and great riverfront.

Entire families gather on the city shores to enjoy the sandy beaches, practice some sports, swim, or just enjoy the stunning sunsets on the Uruguay River.

Paysandú is a great destination for anyone who loves fishing, sailing, and other watersports. But the city also has a rich culture and history, which you can explore at the city’s many museums and historical landmarks.

One of the biggest annual events in Uruguay is the Beer Week which is celebrated in Paysandú in April and attracts people from all over the world.

One of the main attractions outside of the city are the Guaviyú and Almirón hot spring resorts.

Paysandú has a typical dessert called “chajá” which you’ll have to try! You can find it in most restaurants around the city.

Where to Stay in Paysandú

High-end option: Hotel Boutique Casagrande

Mid-range option:  Gran Hotel Paysandú

Budget option: Casa Haydée

The border between Uruguay and Brazil

Chuy is one of the more unique places to visit in Uruguay because of its location.

The main street of Chuy forms the border between Uruguay and Brazil.

One half of the town is called Chuy and is located in Uruguay, the other half is spelled Chui and is located in Brazil.

And yes, that also means that in half of the town the official language is Spanish and they pay in pesos while in the other half of town the official language is Portuguese and they use reais.

The border is open, so you can visit both Chuy and Chui.

Both sides of the town are known as a tax-free shopping destination popular among bargain hunters. A majority of the shops are run by Turkish, Armenian, and Arab immigrants, giving the town a very multicultural vibe.

Located just west of Chuy you can find the Fuerte de San Miguel, a military fortification built by the Portuguese in 1737.

Where to Stay in Chuy

Mid-range option:  Paz y Armonía Private House

Budget option: Descanso al Paso Chuy

Conclusion – Places to Visit in Uruguay

Montevideo, one of the places to visit in Uruguay

Uruguay is a beautiful country that has so much to offer its visitors.

It’s not as well known as neighboring Argentina or Brazil, but that might make it all the more interesting to discover this country for yourself!

Plus, traveling around Uruguay is easy. The buses are efficient and cheap, connecting all the major towns.

I hope this list of places to visit in Uruguay has given you a better idea of what this country has to offer and where you’d like to go.

  • How to Stay Safe While Traveling
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  • How to Plan a Perfect Solo Trip

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The best places to visit in Uruguay

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Uruguay Natural

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Beach

MAIN DESTINATIONS

Those visiting Uruguay choose to settle in its main destinations as a starting point and then move around throughout the country to discover its natural wonders.

Uruguay has excellent highways and short distances that allow touring the country with ease. Montevideo  is a must-see destination. The capital city boasts best quality of life in Latin America and stands out for its harmonious coast, architecture, historic sites, and cultural wealth.

Punta del Este  and its surroundings are another favorite choice for those coming to the country. This resort which combines city and seaside resort is an iconic international beach and vacation tourist destination. On a different scale, there is nothing better than wandering the streets of a UNESCO World Heritage site such as  Colonia del Sacramento , a fairytale city, located in a strategic spot and a one-hour boat ride away from Buenos Aires.

Other options to discover are the numerous  coastal resorts,  dreamy towns in the Sierras, or tourist resorts in the Northern hot springs.

Golf course

The best quality of life in Latin America.

Beach

Punta del Este

La Barra, Manantiales, José Ignacio.

Man sitting on the sidewalk

Colonia del Sacramento

Unesco World Heritage site

Beach

Seaside resorts and towns

Coast, Sierra, Hot Springs, and Rural Countryside

WHERE TO GO

Uruguay has 250 kilometers of heavenly  beaches  on the Atlantic Ocean coastline and 425 kilometers along Río de la Plata, to cater to everyone´s tastes. Family-friendly beaches or cool and trendy beaches for young people; deserted strips or beaches with clubs; music and services. Calm-water beaches or beaches with bigger waves to surf, kitesurf, sand sports, or fishing. A coastal paradise to choose the beach that suits you best.

Rural tourism  offers the possibility of experiencing the Gaucho culture and the traditional country life of the Río de la Plata. Unique aromas and flavors, contact with nature at its purest to understand the origin of the richest and tastiest foods in the world.

With 16 National Parks and conservation areas,  Ecotourism  in Uruguay is the opportunity of discovering extraordinary landscapes in the mountains, native woodlands, coastal lagoons, bird, whale, and sea wolf watching, or trekking experiences; horseback riding or absolute relaxation amid the exuberant nature.

Other visitors choose one of the 6 top-level tourist resorts in the  Hot Springs  area in the Northwestern region of the country. The Guaraní Aquifer is one of the largest water reservoirs on the planet and its hot springs are a must destination for those who enjoy healthy retreats, with the family, and in a unique natural environment.

Surfer

500 km of beaches to suit every taste.

Man on horse

Living the gaucho experience.

Flying bird

16 preserved areas to visit.

Swimming pool

Hot Springs

6 natural resorts.

TAILOR - MADE TOURISM

Half a million cruise passengers arrive at our ports every year and Montevideo and Punta del Este are part of the Rio – Buenos Aires Route. The country is constantly hosting top-level international conferences and it is the prime destination chosen by the most sophisticated and wealthy tourists, regular visitors of its cities, beaches, and natural nooks. Uruguay is #1 in Latin America and #5 in the world as an international LGBT+ destination. Whatever the purpose of your visit, you´ll need to come back again.

Audience at a conference

Conferences and incentive travel tourism.

Shore cruise

Cruise ships

Half a million cruise passengers arrive in Uruguay every year.

Colorful balloons

Uruguay: a friendly and safe place.

Yatch on the coast

All the comfort in the same country

THINGS TO DO

Delving into the colonial history and wandering the streets of a UNESCO World Heritage site; savoring a barbecue banquet with the best meat in the world, together with a glass of good Tannat wine; taking part in a popular festival, recharging your batteries in a nature walk or let your adrenaline flow by surfing the perfect wave in the ocean.

Uruguay.  A land of sensations that will make you quiver.

Wine and meat

Gastronomy and Wine Tourism

Production of international quality food, talented chefs and a wide range of restaurants.

Audience at a theater

Cultural and Religious

Historical, patrimonial and architectural wealth.

 Rocky landscape

Sports and Adventure

A geography for all kinds of sports.

Theater Solís

Events and Shows

Emerging artists and international shows.

URUGUAY TOURISTIC OFFER

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Date: 30/04/2022 Source: Merco Press Article available in English

Quaint Planet

Traveller’s Guide to Uruguay: Places to visit and things to know

República Oriental del Uruguay is a relatively small country with 3,3million people. It’s known for its progressive social policies that resulted in a rather extensive public health system, nearly 100% access to running water as well as relatively high income per capita. According to World Bank , the country “stands out in Latin America for being an egalitarian society and for its high income per capita, low level of inequality and poverty and the almost complete absence of extreme poverty”. There are therefore quite a few interesting things about this small friendly nation to talk about before we get on listing places to visit in Uruguay.

Understanding the culture

What do you know about Uruguay and Montevideo ? If you are a football fan, you might be able to drop few names from their current successful generation of players. If you are into politics, you might know that it’s the most liberal country in South America, especially when it comes to women’s choices regarding the reproduction process.

You might also remember their Volkswagen beetle-driving sympathetic former president José “Pepe” Mujica AKA the World’s most humble president because of his modest lifestyle as well as because he kept donating his presidential salary to charity. And if you’re <insert the label you find suitable here>, you could also know that that marijuana is not illegal in Uruguay.

I however bet that you didn’t know what does the word Uruguay means in Guaraní , the indigenous language that used to be spoken in the region. The early translations believed that Uruguay stood for ‘river of the painted (or colourful) birds’. The more recent interpretations however apparently state that “Uruguay” stands for “shell”, while the “y” remains being “river”.

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When it comes to people, Uruguayans are known to be very friendly. There might be some resemblance with their southern neighbours if we’re talking about their accent as well as several cultural items, such as Tango, steaks, maté and so on. Uruguayans are however somewhat melancholic if compared to the more energetic and extrovert Argentinians.

However, Uruguay is also the only Latin country without any existent indigenous population. The semi-nomadic Charrúas , who lived in these lands for approximately 4 000 years, were not eliminated by European diseases and soldiers were all massacred by Uruguayan forces but we’ll get to that in the next chapter, where we’ll talk about some major events from Uruguayan history.

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Basic history of Uruguay

Uruguay’s journey to becoming a country with one of the most stable economies, in the region, wasn’t easy. Like every country in Latin Americas (well – the whole world really but we’re now in Latin World), Uruguay also had their fair share of twists, turns, coups, wars and military dictatorships. La Plata basin was a rather strategic trade-route post to control and the country’s history was therefore affected by ongoing fights between the influential neighbouring colonial powers.

From everything I’ve read about the country’s history, I’d say that the earliest significant historical event linked to colonisation took place in 1516 when the indigenous people killed the first conquistador Juan Diaz de Solis , who tried to “explore” Rio de la Plata . His death, together with the absence of gold and silver in the area limited the settlement in the region for more than a century to come. However, being squeezed in between the interests of Spain and Portugal, Uruguay soon became a zone of tension between those two influential empires.

Following the introduction of cattle, which was to become a source of wealth in the region from the early 17th century, the first permanent settlements began to appear. Spanish founded Soriano in 1624, which was followed by Portuguese built Colonia del Sacramento in 1680. It would then take few more decades for Montevideo to be founded (1726). The same year Spanish took the over the land from their Portuguese counterparts, killing many of the indigenous people in a process.

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Independence and Wars

The dominant and expansive neighbours, as well as their Napoleonic Wars in Europe, made the country’s road to independence rather eventful. In 1776, Uruguay become a part of the enormous territory called Viceroyalty of La Plata , which comprised the territory of today’s Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Due to being the easternmost territory of the Viceroyalty, Uruguay was then called Banda Oriental del Uruguay .

The country felt the first taste of independence on 18 May 1811, when a national hero José Gervasio Artigas defeated the Viceroyalty’s forces at the Battle of Las Piedras . However, Artigas ‘ federative ambition was not accepted by the newly created council in Buenos Aires , which decided to pursue a unitary centralist system instead. As a result of that, Artiga seized Montevideo in early 1815 and appointed the first autonomous government of Banda Oriental , only to be defeated by Portuguese troops a year later.

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The following events were even messier because Brazil gained its independence from Portugal so there was a new ambitious player in the area. So pretty much immediately after being squeezed right in between the expansive policies of the Spanish and Portuguese colonial powers, instead of getting some breathing space, Uruguay was about to suffer some more, only this time it was to be from the expansive policies of its new “independent” neighbouring powers in the region: Argentina and Brazil. Out of the frying pan, into the fire, right?

Consequentially, it wasn’t long and all that geopolitical mess led to a war, that is remembered as Cisplatine War (1825-1828). To cut this very twisted and complicated story short, these bloody events were finally concluded through the British diplomatic efforts in a Treaty of Montevideo . As a result of that, on 25 August 1828, present-day Uruguay became an independent state. Two years later, on 18 July 1830, the country introduced its first constitution.

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Post-Independence Civil Conflicts, Genocide, Military Coups and more Wars

Not even a year later, on 11 April 1831, the army led by the president’s brother Bernabé Rivera attacked the gathering of the main indigenous ( Charrúa ) chiefs after getting them drunk first, apparently. The order was given by Uruguay’s president and a national independence hero, AKA freedom fighter, Fructuoso Rivera . History remembers as the Slaughter of Salsipuedes .

In the meantime, Uruguay’s political scene become dominated by two parties: the National Party Blancos (Whites), supported by the agricultural interests and Colorados (Reds), supported by the urban business interests in Montevideo . The divide between the parties led by its independence leaders, Manuel Oribe and Fructoso Rivera , brought the country to a Civil War, known as Guerra Grande (1839-1851).

All sorts of interventions that followed, ranging from Argentina, Brazil, France, Britain, Italy and Paraguay are too complex to describe what was going on in the region during this troubled period. The conflict however kept going in various shapes and forms to devastate the country even further.

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And as if there wasn’t enough blood and confusion, between 1864 and 1870, Uruguay joined Argentina and Brazil in the war against Paraguay in the War of the Triple Alliance , which became the bloodiest conflict in Latin America’s history. But let’s move on from wars to the more positive elements of Uruguayan history.

I don’t mean to downplay the significance of any of these events, especially in the context of the loss of lives and tragedy that came with it. It’s just that the Uruguayan history from this period is too complicated to squeeze it into this article, while the reasons for all that violence are still the same as in every other war: wealth and power.

If you’re interested in conflicts and wars, please look into the sources section below or click on the links above, they should provide you with a lot of reading material, including the 1933 Military Coup that followed the effects of the Great Depression in the region.

Perhaps, I should mention one more war-related event, which was the dramatic story of the first naval battle of WW2 that took place near the Uruguayan coast that included 3 British and one German ship. The incident concluded with the suicide of the German Captain, following the 72 hours ultimatum to leave the neutral port of Montevideo , where he sought refuge with his damaged ship after the battle.

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First major social reforms

Following so much blood and tragedy, I would therefore prefer to look at different and more happy aspects of Uruguayan history instead, as mentioned above. After all, history is filled with wars while there were so many other events we seem to overlook sometimes. Anyway, many locals would agree that if one wants to search for more positive elements in Uruguayan history from this turbulent period, the best would be to start with Señor Jos é Batlle y Ord óñ ez .

In the wake of the 20th century, this reformist liberal president introduced the country to several progressive policies, among which the most significant were: the right of women to vote in elections (12 years before France!), high school education, 8-hour workdays, abolishment of the death penalty, the introduction of the welfare state and many more. Up to this day, Ord óñ ez is still one of the most favourite presidents of Uruguay.

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Another historical event that is worth mentioning would take us to the 60s when Uruguay suffered from the economic crisis and social unrest. By 1962, inflation was running at a historically high 35%. Among other protest groups, a movement called Tupamaros emerged. The name is derived from the revolutionary Túpac Amaru II , who led a major indigenous revolt against the Spanish colonialists in 17th century Peru.

After such an introduction, you can guess that we’re talking about a left-wing group of people. Their activities were literally Robin Hood -like. I’m talking about things that technically qualify as terrorist activities, such as robbing banks and distributing money in poor neighbourhoods. Later it grew further, adding also political kidnappings and attacks on security forces on their menu.

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The legendary president José “Pepe” Mujica was an active member of the group back then. Like it or not. It’s kind of romantic and it’s kind of terrorism at the same time, like Robin Hood or anyone who used force against the regime, whether you think it was morally right or wrong. Is it really like that? How about freedom fighters or whistleblowers?

Where is the thin line between terrorism and freedom fighting or exposing the regime’s crimes against humanity? Who determines that? Anyway, enough of philosophy – let’s get back to Tupamaros and Uruguayan history. Many of the group members were killed by the Uruguayan army in the early 70s and many others remained in prison, including the “World’s most humble president”, who stayed behind the bars until 1985.

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Other significant events of modern Uruguay in a timeline

  • 1972 – Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashes into the Andes, leaving 16 survivors, mainly members of the Uruguayan rugby team trapped for 10 weeks, forcing them to eat the flesh of the deceased passengers to survive. You might have seen the feature film Alive (1993) about this incredible horror survival story
  • 1973 – following yet another military coup , Uruguay becomes known as “the torture chamber of Latin America” by accumulating the largest number of political prisoners per capita in the world
  • 1984 – violent protests against the repression of the Civic-Military dictatorship and deteriorating economic conditions
  • 1985 – on 2 February 1985, Uruguay finally became a constitutional democracy
  • 2002 – Uruguay introduces radical emergency measures in order to prevent Argentina’s financial crisis to spread over the border. Taxes were increased, banks got temporarily shut to stop mass withdrawal of people’s savings and a general strike to protest the economic crisis followed
  • 2003 – The World Bank loans more than $250m to Uruguay
  • 2003 – Uruguayans reject plans to open up state oil monopoly to foreign investment in a referendum
  • 2006 – Uruguay pays off its debt to the IMF
  • 2009 – Uruguayan Supreme Court rules a law that protected the officials of the former military government from prosecution for human rights abuses is unconstitutional. As a consequence, the former military ruler Gregorio Alvarez is sentenced to 25 years in prison for murder and human rights violations. Former dictator Juan Maria Bordaberry is sentenced to 30 years in prison a year later
  • 2010 – World’s most humble President Jose Mujica takes office
  • 2012 – after Cuba, Uruguay becomes the first country in religious Latin America to legalise abortion for all women. Prior to the legalisation of abortion in Uruguay, the punishment for undergoing the procedure was 3-12 months in prison, while performing an abortion was punishable by 6-24 months in prison. The amount of punishment depended on the judge and the circumstances of the accused, such as the risk for the woman’s life, rape, family honour or particular economic standards of the accused
  • 2012 – thanks to the ‘ One Laptop Per Child ‘ program, Uruguay becomes the first country to provide every school child with a free laptop and wireless Internet
  • 2013 – Uruguay Congress approves gay marriage bill . In the same year, the country also passes the law to legalise the recreational use of cannabis . The goal was to take the profit away from the criminal drug dealing gangs and offer an alternative for the smokers not to support the criminal gangs. As a matter a fact, the country hasn’t recorded an increase in marijuana users, while it enjoys a decrease in drug gang-related crimes. Please note that the legalisation only concerns the registered Uruguayan citizens

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As I’ve mentioned above, food is among the few things the country culturally shares with their southern neighbour. I am not implying that both cuisines are exactly the same or that one is better than another. On the contrary, it would be an exceptionally difficult job to take sides if such competition took place, only because both cuisines are exceptionally yummy if you are a meat eater…

Like in Argentina, Uruguay is also a country influenced by mass immigration, mostly from the Mediterranean region. Together with the dominant cattle farming tradition in the region, it, therefore, plays a role when it comes to the local cuisine. If you’re interested in someone else’s take on Uruguayan culinary experience, here ‘s what David Hammond , an expat living in the country considers to be 30 favourite dishes in Uruguay.

In case you were a vegetarian, please note that this article’s main focus is the country’s traditional cuisine, which often contains meat. Most meals listed below will therefore not concern you, at least from the customer’s point of view, they won’t. In case you were interested, here are some tips for vegetarians written by Ann Thompson on the Real Estate In Uruguay site.

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  • Asado is Uruguayan national dish. For the less cuisine-educated Westerner it might be reminiscent of – let’s call it – “a special BBQ”, however in Uruguay asado represents a small but significant part of national identity as it normally serves a purpose a social occasion, rather than just a meal. Uruguayans would therefore argue that asado is much more than just a barbecue. But unless you have friends or family in the country, most likely you will be able only to try the meal itself, rather than witnessing the whole event. FYI, we’re talking cuts of various grilled meats, mostly beef, pork, chicken, chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage) accompanied by salads and the ever-present red wine
  • Empanadas. Like in every country in the whole Latin region, empanadas are also common in Uruguay. The word literally translates as “coated in bread”, so we’re generally talking about something that can be best compared to a Cornish pasty with cooked fillings. After visiting Chile and Argentina, I’ve tried my first fried empanada in Uruguay, although they also do a baked version. The fillings remain rather similar, mostly made of chicken/minced beef with egg/ham&cheese and/or vegetables
  • Corvina is a popular fish commonly caught in South Atlantic. Its white meat is rather firm and it reminded me of sea bass a little. You can get it mostly grilled , pan-fried, deep-fried or get it in a delicious stew
  • Choripán is yummy street food , which is basically something like a posh chorizo sandwich topped with chimichurri sauce
  • Milanesa is a thin breaded meat cutlet that’s popular all around Latin World which you can also find in Italy (hence the name) and Central Europe
  • Chivito is something like Spanish bocadillo with steak AKA french baguette kind of sandwich with beef, a lot of salad, egg and various sauces (mostly it’s chimichurri though)
  • Dulce de Leche is a custardy but rather than vanilla its a caramel-like sweet milky-saucy thingy you can enjoy as a dessert in most Latin American countries
  • Bizcochos are nice little pastries one can get in literally every bakery in the country. Depending on the bakery’s recipe, they are taking many shapes and forms, reminiscent to mini croissants or small bums, they could come plain, with ham&cheese or with jam or with Dulce de Leche
  • Tortas Fritas are sweet treats somewhat similar to tortillas , just made with classic flour, rather than cornflower. I’ve tried their sweet breakfasty version with Dulce de Leche
  • Chimichurri is a popular sauce in the whole of Latin America. It comes in either green or red version. The green one is made of chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and red wine vinegar. The red one normally consists of tomato and red bell pepper
  • Maté sticks out from this list for two reasons: for not being a meal, but mainly for its literally ever-present status in Uruguay and some neighbouring countries. All I can tell you is that during your visit, you’ll have a chance to try one with the friendly locals at some point 😉

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Tourism in Uruguay

Due to the rather high travelling expenses, if compared to the rest of the region, Uruguay’s tourism often comprises domestic expenditures. The country’s positive safety reputation however attracts quite a few better-off Argentinians and Brazilians as well as an increasing number of retirees from the North Americas. The latter groups are however mostly concentrate in the country’s major resorts such as Punta del Este .

Uruguay presents itself as a ‘sun&sand’ destination, and to be fair its coastline is filled with a variety of spectacular places to visit, ranging from resorts, through national parks, up to ‘hippie’ havens. There’s also a growing trend of rural and winery tourism. It is worth mentioning that Uruguay was also included in Earth Island Journal ‘s “ The Developing World’s 10 Best Ethical Destinations .” of 2012, which takes environmental protection, social welfare and human rights into consideration when creating its recommendations.

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When to visit Uruguay

Uruguay has a humid subtropical climate. The country can be visited pretty much all year round, but the high season is obviously in the summer, which is late December to February. But if you are like me and prefer more relaxing conditions and less crowded places, consider planning your trip for between the months of October and December. Average temperatures apparently are 17-20°C in the spring and autumn, 20-25°C in summer and about 12°C in the winter. Here are more details about the country’s climate, in case you were interested.

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Uruguay is one of the safest countries in Latin America, which is the reason why many Argentinians and Brazilians like to spend their vacations here. According to the Global Peace Index , Uruguay ranks at 35th position (October 2021), which is 6 positions ahead of the UK. But then again, statistical data are not to be relied upon equally in every corner of the country. Like nearly everywhere else in the World, metropolitan areas are of course a different story, if compared to various rural regions or national parks.

I have personally haven’t sensed any danger, except for the later hours at the old town ( Ciudad Vieja ) of Montevideo . As soon as all the banks and offices closed, the police presence got reduced for the Plaza Independencia , the central Sarandi street, and the crowded Mercado del Puerto . Anyway, I’ve felt seen and observed so the old town appeared rather “get out of here” to me with the nightfall. Overall, I’d say that Montevideo still felt safer than most Latin cities I’ve visited.

As for every other destination I’ve visited in the country, I’ve felt pretty much as safe as I would feel anywhere in Europe. Saying all that, it doesn’t mean that one should let his or her guards completely down. Always proceeded with caution, use common sense and don’t flash your valuables, especially if your looks are different to an average local. Some useful general travel safety tips could be found in this piece , in case you were interested.

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Popular places to visit in Uruguay

Colonia del sacramento.

Colonia del Sacramento is a pretty little town right across the Plata river from Buenos Aires . Due to its size (pop 27000) and its close proximity to the Argentinian capital, people usually opt for a one day visit to stroll its charming colonial centre, which was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1995.

The whole historical quarter is walkable on foot and one needs less than a half-day to explore it. There are few landmark-ish monuments to see, such as the old town gate , the main town’s square Plaza de Armas , you can perhaps wander into the aquarium as well as one of the town’s beaches. Just by wandering around, you won’t be able to miss the popular El Faro lighthouse and another photographers’ favourite spot, Calle de Los Suspiros .

The general laidback vibe of the place is created by friendly locals, its picturesque cobbled streets and small squares filled with numerous wonderful cosy restaurants and cafés. Furthermore, Colonia has also quite a few museums and art galleries to consider.

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Only about 180 kilometres further down the road from Colonia , we’d reach Uruguay’s capital Montevideo . The city comes with some great wine bars, tango, cafés, restaurants, beaches and much more. Unless you have friends in town, one of the best ways to explore Montevideo ‘s unique beauty and charm would IMHO be taking one of the numerous walking tours that are available in pretty much every hostel. Those are often enriched by a presence of an informative bubbly guide with insider knowledge of the city.

In case you wanted to explore the city by yourself, make sure not to skip the Plaza Independencia with the iconic Palacio Salvo , from where you can carry on for a stroll around the historical quarter ( Ciudad Vieja ), where you can grab a coffee in one of the stylish cafés, then check out some of the museums in the area, and finally enjoy lunch or dinner at the popular Mercado del Puerto .

People seem to like visiting the historical fort that used to guard the city in early-mid 19th century Fortaleza Del Cerro . Except for being 139 m above sea level, which delivers quite good vistas of the city, there’s also a military museum you could visit. Back in town, another popular activity is to check out La Rambla , which is an avenue that goes all along the coastline of the city, where locals like to socialize, jog and so on. The friendly locals will very likely ask you to share Yerba Maté around the city’s parks or beaches along La Rambla .

Culture-wise, I’d also suggest checking out the folk dance Candombe , the UNESCO World’s Cultural Heritage, and then, of course, you shouldn’t miss out on tango , which btw belongs to Uruguay the same way it belongs to Argentina. Of course that there are many more things to do, see and experience in Montevideo . In case you were interested, here ‘s Quaint Planet ‘s comprehensive guide to the city. For an “Insider’s guide to Montevideo “ click here to check out the well written and informative piece about some places to hang around, by María Zanocchi in The Guardian 😉

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Let’s stay on the coastline and get a 90-minute drive eastwards from Montevideo to get to our next stop. Piriápolis was founded in 1893 and according to Uruguay Natural portal “the plan to attract the Uruguayan and Argentinean aristocracy of the late nineteenth century.” The place certainly became one of the major summer resorts in Uruguay. It is filled with hotels and large casinos.

The town comes with some spectacular architecture, especially when it comes to its waterfront promenade. From the materials I’ve read, it’s worth checking out the huge Argentino Hotel and Castillo de Piria . Speaking for myself, this isn’t really my scene so I gave it a pass, but in case you wanted to find out more information, please click here .

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Punta del Este

Only a short 30 minute ride eastwards would take us to Uruguay’s largest resort Punta del Este AKA sort of Monaco of South America. We’re talking upper-class kind of destination with casinos, yachts, beaches and a lot of tourists. It’s even more expensive than the rest of the country. The vibe and the price tags, therefore, decided for me, making it yet another location I’ve decided to skip this place as well.

FYI, I have nothing against it, it’s just that such places weren’t exactly as I wanted to explore in Latin America. The only thing I sort of regret is that I’ve skipped Cas a pueblo , which is an interesting building constructed by the Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró , only 13km away from the town westwards. Anyway, here ‘s The Guardian ‘s take on the city, with some useful tips, in case you were interested.

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Laguna Garzon

Let’s move on further away on the coastline then. Travelling only about 50km north-east would take us to what feels like a different world if compared to the resorts we are coming from. Laguna Garzon is mostly known for its ring-shaped bridge , designed by the famous Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly , who’s mostly known for the Walkie Talkie building in London. Except for the bridge, there’s just the lagoon, the Atlantic, some migratory birds, local fishermen and few surfers.

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Further 80 kilometres up the coastline would get us to a small fishermen village, La Paloma . The village itself has just over 5 thousand inhabitants. It comes with a cute handicrafts market, lighthouse, a cinema as well as plenty of bars and restaurants. Let’s not forget to mention the multiple beaches and Laguna de Rocha . I’m told that La Paloma is a popular destination for domestic tourists. More information is here .

Sierras de Rocha

Let’s leave the coastline and head inland for a change. Only about 20 minutes ride from the municipal capital Rocha , we’d enter the zone to be enjoyed by tourists that like to visit rural destinations. If you’re into ecotourism, horseback riding, exotic walks, natural pools, mountain biking and so on, this could be just the place for you. More information is here , in case you were interested.

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Cabo Polonio and Punta del Diablo

OK, back on the coastline’s Ruta 10 , slowly heading north towards the Brazilian border. There are two more places of interest ahead of us to mention, especially for those who are fans of – let’s call it – alternative lifestyles. Only 45 minutes up the road from La Paloma , we’d reach Parque Nacional de Cabo Polonio . The park comes with dunes, coastal forest, wetlands, islands and sandy beaches facing both, sunset as well as sunrise.

And at the tip of the park, there’s also a lighthouse with a small colony of seals as well as few small semi-legal settlements with few permanent residents who turn their dwellings into hostels and/or bars that’s to be enjoyed by liberal arty crowds during the high season. In case this was your cup of tea, you could chill on the beach, sip on a beer and enjoy the incredible skies in the middle of the night.

About 70 kilometres further up the road, we’d reach our final coastline destination in Uruguay. Punta del Diablo is a fast-growing town only 40 km south of the Brazilian border. Apart from being a very party-friendly location, the area comes with beautiful beaches, epic walks among huge rocks and dunes and Santa Teresa National Park . More details about Punta del Diablo as well as Cabo Polonio could be found here .

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Off the beaten path

Theoretically speaking, except for the few resorts mentioned above, the whole country could have been called an “off the beaten path” destination only a few decades ago, because Uruguay used to be sort of an underdog when it comes to tourism in Latin America. Its beautiful and mostly tranquil seaside are however picking up ever since, in spite of the rather steep prices in the country. Regardless of the philosophical debate about what exactly is “off the beaten path”, I’ve decided to list a few inland destinations in Uruguay, where you most likely won’t meet many international tourists.

  • Chamangá: A Rock Paintings Area. According to UNESCO: “The area of Chamangá , located in the Province of Flores is characterised for having the greatest concentration of pictographic sites from Uruguay. The potential of this place in relation to these types of archaeological areas is confirmed day after day with the constant increase in the number of findings.” More details are here , in case you were interested
  • Carmelo . If we’ve decided to travel the other direction from Colonia del Sacramento , in about 90 minutes, we would get to this riverside town with cobbled streets, nice 19th-century architecture by the delta of river Paraná
  • Fray Bentos . Another few hours of travelling up the river would take us to Fray Bentos . Yes, we’re talking about a town called Fray Bentos , after which the British corned meat brand is called. FYI, the former factory was rather unique, up to the level that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site . There’s a nice descriptive piece about the town, the factory as well as the local legend in The Guardian, in case you were interested, find it here
  • Salto . Around four more hours of travelling up the river would take us to Uruguay’s second-largest city. Salto is a very hot and humid riverside town with 19th-century architecture. There are few attractions to visit, such as ZOO, quite nice waterfront promenades and thermal hot-springs Termas del Dayman , in case you wanted to explore the area. FYI, I’ve only appeared here to cross the border on my way from Montevideo to Iguazú Falls. I’ve made a decision to explore the neighbouring Argentinian town of Concordia . Although Concordia would definitely fulfil the definition of “off the beaten path” destination (for all wrong reasons), next time, I’d spent more time in much nicer Salto instead. More info about the town could be found here . Btw, in case you were a football (AKA soccer) fan, please note that Salto is the hometown of both famous Uruguayan strikers: Luis Suárez and Edison Cavani 😉
  • Artigas . On the tourist maps, Artigas is mainly known for Safari Minero AKA Mines Tourism. More info could be found here
  • Tacuarembó . In case you wanted to get to know more about the gaucho culture or you wanted to visit the museum dedicated to one of the most prominent figures of tango Carlos Gardel , this north-central town is the place to go. More info is here , in case you were interested…

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In conclusion

With its 176,215 km 2 , Uruguay is a relatively small country by South American standards. Just for comparison, Uruguay is only a wee bit smaller than Missouri state or about 1,3 times bigger than Greece. Price-wise, it’s however Manhattan of South America, if you know what I mean. Except for its steep prices, it is however very culturally rich, passionate, progressive and extraordinarily friendly country to visit. Speaking for myself, I’d definitely love to come back to Uruguay one day.

Entry requirements

Uruguay has its borders apparently open to visitors from all countries and it should be rather easy to enter the country. On rare occasions, some people, such as citizens of India have to apply for tourist visas but this visa is free of charge. My best advice is to double-check your entry requirements with your government’s pages or at Uruguayan Embassy or Consulate nearby.

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Sources and possible further reading for a curious reader

Culture, language and demographics.

  • Demographics: Here ‘s the demographic profile of Uruguay, according to Index Mundi
  • Indigenous population: Learn more about the indigenous Charrúa people here on Encyclopedia Britannica
  • Culture in Uruguay: history, people, traditions, women, beliefs, food, according to World Culture Encyclopedia could be found here
  • Tango: Chriss Moss writes about tango in Montevideo in The Guardian
  • Candombe: Here ‘s what Encyclopedia Britannica has to say about this folk dance of African ancestry
  • Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata : Here ‘s Encyclopedia Britannica ‘s post about this historical area
  • Banda Oriental del Uruguay: Read more about the then province here on Encyclopedia Britannica
  • José Gervasio Artigas: Read more about the Uruguayan revolutionary here on Encyclopedia Britannica
  • Battle of Las Piedras: Read more about the history as well as the annual celebration of this historical event here on A Global World website
  • Cisplatine War: Read more about the 1825-1828 war between Argentina and Brazil here on the Global Security website
  • Treaty of Montevideo: Find out more about this successful diplomatic effort here on Encyclopedia Britannica
  • Slaughter of Salsipuedes: Learn more about this shameful ethnic cleansing operation here by Pablo Albarenga in his piece for El País (in English)
  • Guerra Grande: Read more about the 1839-1851 Uruguayan Civil War here on Encyclopedia.com
  • War of the Triple Alliance: Learn more about this 1864 – 1870 conflict here on Encyclopedia Britannica
  • 1933 Coup: Learn more about the 1933 Military Coup, led by President Terra here on Encyclopedia Britannica
  • Battle of the River Plate: Read more about the events from December 1939 here on Wiki
  • José Batlle y Ordóñez: Read more about this popular figure in Uruguayan politics here on Encyclopedia Britannica
  • Tupamaros: Here ‘s Shirley Christian post written for NY Times about the movement
  • José “Pepe” Mujica : Learn more about the legendary Uruguayan President here in an article by Giles Tremlett for The Guardian
  • Air Force Flight 571: Read more about the horror survival story here on History
  • 1973 coup d’etat: Read more about the coup here on Country Studies
  • Abortion bill: Learn more about the pro-choice victory here on BBC ‘s website
  • One Laptop per Child: Learn more about the program here on One Laptop ‘s website
  • Cannabis legalisation: Simon Maybin writes about the pioneering 2013 policy here for the BBC

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Food (incl. recipes)

  • Vegetarian options: Here ‘s Mary Ann Thompson ‘s little guide for vegetarians in Uruguay published on the Real Estate Uruguay website
  • Asado: Here ‘s the Explore Uruguay ‘s website post about the Uruguayan national dish
  • Empanadas: Check out Jenny ‘s recipe for traditional Uruguayan empanada here on her blog Jenny is Baking
  • Corvina: Here ‘s a recipe for the grilled version from food.com and here ‘s Nicole Rossetti le Strange ‘s recipe for the traditional stew from 196 Flavours
  • Choripán: Here ‘s Adina ‘s recipe for the popular sandwich from her blog Where Is My Spoon
  • Milanesa: Learn about the various versions of milanesas here on Uruguayan Food website
  • Chivito: Here ‘s a recipe for this steak sandwich by Marian Blazes on The Spruce Eats
  • Dulce de Leche: Check out Silvia ‘s recipe for the popular sweet treat here on her blog Silvia’s Trips
  • Bizcochos: Here ‘s Cynthia Correa ‘s recipe for the popular Uruguayan pastry on Eater
  • Tortas Fritas: Check out Travel Food Atlas ‘s recipe for this popular sweet treat here
  • Chimichurri: Here ‘ a recipe as well as some background info about this ever-present sauce on Eat Flavorly
  • Maté: To learn more about maté , its properties, history and use, please click here on the official tourism website of Uruguay
  • Another opinion: here ‘s what David Hammond , an American expat living in the country considers to be 30 favourite dishes in Uruguay
  • A culinary guide to Montevideo: In case you were about to spend some time in Montevideo , check out this piece by Jamie Lafferty in National Geographic

Tourism, climate and safety

  • Ethical Destination: Here’s the 10 Best Ethical Destinations of 2012 piece by Jeff Greenwald, Christy Hoover and Natalie Lefevre on Earth Island website
  • Global Peace Index: Check out the latest ratings here on Visions of Humanity
  • Safety tips: Few safety tips on how to secure your valuables, what to watch out for and more could be found here
  • Rip Current: Here ‘s a useful post that describes what is a rip current, how to spot it and what to do, on the National Ocean Service website
  • Moving to Uruguay: Suzan Haskins and Dan Prescher write about what you need to know about retiring in Uruguay here for The Huff Post
  • Climate: Here ‘s Climates to travel ‘s climate guide to Uruguay

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Places to Visit in Uruguay

  • Colonia del Sacramento: Here ‘s the UNESCO page of this charming little town
  • Montevideo: Here ‘s Quaint Planet ‘s comprehensive guide to the city. For an informative and well written ‘Insider’s guide to Montevideo ” about few places to hang around, click here to check out the piece by María Zanocchi in The Guardian
  • Piriápolis: Uruguayan official tourism website has this to say about this beach resort town
  • Punta del Este: Oliver Balch writes about this luxurious resort for The Guardian
  • Laguna Garzon: Here ‘s a post on the local government website Turismo Rocha
  • La Paloma: To learn more about this small coastal village, check out this post on the Welcome Uruguay website
  • Sierras de Rocha: Here ‘s a post about this eco/rural tourism destination on Turismo Rocha
  • Cabo Polonio and Punta del Diablo: Learn more about these two rather special destinations here
  • Chamangá: Here ‘s a UNESCO page about this ancient rock paining attraction
  • Carmelo: Some information about this old little town could be found here on the Turismo Gobierno Uruguay
  • Fray Bentos: Here ‘s the UNESCO page of this World Heritage site
  • Salto: Find some more info about the town here on the Turismo Gobierno Uruguay
  • Artigas: Turismo Gobierno Uruguay informs also about this northern town and its attractions here
  • Tacuarembó: Learn more about the birthplace of the famous tango star Carlos Gardel here on Turismo Gobierno Uruguay

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Other Traveller’s Guides to explore on Quaint Planet

  • Chile : popular as well as off-the-beaten-path places to see, general travel tips, history, culture, cuisine, safety and more
  • Argentina : places to see, general travel tips, history, culture, cuisine, safety, off the beaten path and more
  • Bolivia : history, cuisine, safety, places to see, including some truly incredible off-the-beaten-path locations and more
  • Colombia : places to see, general travel tips, history, culture, cuisine, safety, off the beaten path and more
  • and there are more guides to come in the future…

Some general tips about travelling in Latin Americas

  • Budget: in case you were interested, here ‘s an article listing the country-by-country basic expenses for a traveller in Latin America
  • Safety: Few safety tips on how to secure your valuables, what to watch out for and more can be found here
  • Transport: Information, safety and some other practical advice regarding public transport in Latin America can be found here
  • ATM withdrawal charges: Some practical info, including the list of free-of-charge ATMs in Latin America, can be found here
  • Border fees: To find out how much you will have to pay to enter or exit certain countries in Latin America, please click here
  • Pre-trip preparations: Few things you can do ahead of time before you’ll become frantically busy prior to your departure are listed here
  • Packing list: What to take with you for an extended trip as well as some security tips could be found here
  • Cheap Flights: few tips on how to score a cheap/er flight, get a better seat on a plane, where to get a nap at a particular airport and so on

Latin American locations covered on Quaint Planet

Santiago de Chile ► Valparaíso ► Santiago de Chile ► Punta Arenas – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas ► Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine – Puerto Natales ► El Calafate ( Perito Moreno Glacier , Arg) ► El Chaltén (Los Glaciares National Park) ► Chile Chico (Ch) – Puerto Rio Tranquillo ( Marble Caves ) ► Coyhaique – Puyuhuapi – ( Carretera Austral ) ► Puerto Chacabuco – Quellón/Castro ► Puerto Varas – San Carlos de Bariloche (Arg) ► Buenos Aires ► Colonia (Ur) ► Montevideo ► Punta del Diablo – Cabo Polonio ► Montevideo ► Salto ► Concordia (Arg) ► Puerto Iguazú ( Iguazú Falls ) ► Salta ► San Salvador de Jujuy ► Tilcara ► San Pedro de Atacama (Ch) ► Uyuni Salt Flats Tour (Bol) ► Uyuni ► Sucre – La Paz ( Death Road Tour ) ► Copacabana ( Lake Titicaca ) – Isla del Sol – Copacabana ► Cusco (Per) ► Aguas Calientes ( Machu Picchu ) ► Cusco ► Lima ► Máncora – Montañita (Ecu) ► Puerto López ► Quito ► Ipiales (Col) – Pas to ► Tatacoa Desert ► Bogotá ► Medellín ► Villa de Lleyva ► Santa Marta – Cartagena – Rincón del Mar Necoclí ► Capurganá ► Puerto Obaldía (Pan) ► Panama City ► Las Lajas ► Cerro Punta ► David ► Bocas del Torro ► San José (Costa Rica) ► San Juan del Sur (Nic) – Ometepe ► Granada ► Managua – El Rama – Bluefields – Corn Islans ► Léon ► El Tunco (El Salvador) ► La Antigua Guatemala – Lake Atitlán ► Lanquín (Semuc Champey) – Flores (Tikal) ► Belize City ► Bacalar – Tulum – Playa del Carmen – Mérida – Valladolid – Cancún ✈️ .

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A local’s guide to Montevideo, Uruguay

Lola Méndez

Oct 25, 2022 • 6 min read

Montevideo, Uruguay - 11th January 2022 - Beautiful sunset on Ramyres beach with bathers on a summer day in Montevideo Uruguay.; Shutterstock ID 2121221777; your: Sloane Tucker; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: Montevideo Things to Do Article

Montevideo is a charming capital city, where the pace of life is wonderfully relaxed © ThiagoSantos / Shutterstock

The capital of Uruguay , Montevideo is a charming metropolitan oasis where the lifestyle of the rural campo (countryside) influences a not-so-fast pace of city living.

Once a fortified citadel, the Ciudad Vieja (old city) is today surrounded by traces of the city walls, first erected in 1741. Beyond this historic core, visitors can stroll the longest continuous sidewalk in the world, relax on sandy beaches, visit countless museums or sway to carnaval rhythms year-round. 

Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Montevideo, Uruguay.

1. Enjoy sand and surf on Montevideo’s beaches

Montevideo is surrounded by the wide Río de la Plata, and the most popular beach in town is Playa de Los Pocitos, which offers soft sand and volleyball courts.

This true city beach is framed by the waterfront buildings of the namesake Pocitos neighborhood. In the summer months, you’ll see scads of umbrellas that protect from the high UV rays in Uruguay (which can reach as high as 11).

Local tip : The beaches are small and get busy on the weekend, so plan your beach day during the week to avoid crowds. 

A woman walks through the Museo de la Memoria in Montevideo, Uruguay, South America

2. Visit Museo de la Memoria 

The most important museum to visit in Montevideo is the Museo de la Memoria , open since 2007. Located about 1.9mi (3km) from Prado Park, the museum offers insights and context on the country’s 12-year civic-military dictatorship.

The site honors the 200 Uruguayans who disappeared during the junta (the Desaparecidos ), and who are still unaccounted for. 

A permanent exhibition featuring pots and pans looks inconspicuous – yet during this era Uruguayans used these simple kitchen tools to object to the state-sanctioned killing of civilians.

In a protest known as cacerolazo , citizens banged these objects outside their windows, creating chaotic noise to make their numbers heard. 

Sausages and other meets cook on an asado grill in Central Market, Montevideo, Uruguay, South America

3. Load your plate with grass-fed beef at these best places to eat in Montevideo

Uruguay is known across the world for its superb grass-fed beef. (There are at least three sheep and three cows per Uruguayan citizen!)

At home, Uruguayans gather with friends and family almost weekly for an asado, at which different cuts of grilled meat are served along with vegetables. 

If you don’t manage to score an invite, you can still have a traditional parrilla dinner experience at García , a popular restaurant that’s served premium cuts of meat paired with curated local and international wines since 1967. The elegant dining room is a favorite for Uruguayans celebrating a special occasion.

Local tip : The well-known Mercado del Puerto has, alas, lost its charm, and is today an overrated, overpriced tourist trap. Instead, head to Casa Pastora , Mercado Williman and Mercado Ferrando , which all feature food stalls serving parrillas .

Performers in costume and face paint during a carnaval murga show, Montevideo, Uruguay, South America

4. Experience Carnaval year-round 

If you visit Uruguay between the end of January and early March you can take part in the longest carnaval celebration in the world . Uruguayans celebrate for a full 40 to 50 days in the lead-up Easter (known as Tourism Week in Uruguay). The festivities are primarily attended by locals, though foreign visitors are most welcome. 

The tradition of carnaval was brought to Uruguay by enslaved Africans. Their descendants invented candombe drums, a large percussion instrument that’s worn on the body and played as the performer walks in the street.

Candombe is the heartbeat of Uruguay, and has been designated a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2009. During carnaval , candombe is part of nearly every performance, with groups painting and decorating their drums to match the colors of the bedazzled lingerie and feathers worn by the dancers.

To kick off the celebrations, the Inaugural Parade takes place at the end of January, at which candombe drummers parade with dancers along central Avenida 18 de Julio. The following night is usually the Samba Schools Parade, where performers dressed in colorful carnaval garb dance through the street. 

In February, the Las Llamadas parade features candombe drummers performing as they walk the streets of the Afro-Uruguayan neighborhoods of Barrio Sur and Palermo.

Between parade dates, you can visit one of the many tablados (stages set around the city), which play host to frequent performances by satirical singing groups, called murga , that wear face paint and clown-like costumes.

If you can’t make it for the festivities, get a taste of the celebrations at the Museo del Carnaval , which houses videos of performances, costumes and drums. Additionally, candombe groups practice year-round – and even without the colorful costumes and fanfare, they still offer a memorable experience. 

Each neighborhood has a group that typically rehearses once a week on the streets in preparation for the annual Competition of Carnaval Groups.

Every Sunday in the late afternoon, drummers gather in Barrio Sur to play candombe   – and anyone is welcome to join in. Simply follow the sound of the drums to find the group.

Local tip : Unfortunately, since pickpocketing is prevalent at these gatherings you should keep an eye on your personal belongings.

Fans of Nacional raise their arms and cheer in the stands at Gran Parque Central stadium, Montevideo, Uruguay, South America

6. Pick your favorite soccer team 

The first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930 at Estadio Centenario – and the Uruguayans (naturally) won the title.

Today, the two most prominent teams in fútbol -mad Montevideo are Peñarol and Nacional. The former dons yellow and black and plays at the Campeón del Siglo stadium, while the latter wears red, white and blue and calls Gran Parque Central stadium home.  

Choose a team to support, then catch a match during the Uruguayan Primera División season, which lasts from May to December. If there isn’t a game while you’re in town, you can learn more about Uruguayan soccer at the Museo del Fútbol .

7. Cycle, rollerblade or stroll the Rambla

Montevideo’s riverfront Rambla is the longest continuous sidewalk in the world, at nearly 14 miles (23km). The avenue snakes along the coast and is popular for cycling and rollerblading. 

In Montevideo, a favorite local pastime is to prepare yerba maté, a traditional Indigenous drink first cultivated by the Guaraní in Paraguay and popularized as a shared communal drink by the Charrúa in Uruguay.

Many Uruguayans always carry their mate kit with them, which includes the yerba (loose caffeinated tea leaves) a mate  (the cup, traditionally a gourd), bombilla (perforated spoon-like straw) and thermo (hot-water bottle). 

Take your mate  and go for a stroll on the Rambla around sunset. You’ll pass by a skate park, the famed Montevideo sign, the moving Holocaust Memorial, Pittamiglio Castle and plenty of street musicians.

Local tip : It’s customary in Uruguay to share mate with complete strangers. Since this isn’t sanitary, we recommend buying your own kit, available at any grocery store.

8. Head east to Punta del Este 

Once you’ve gotten to know the capital, take a direct bus from the Tres Cruces terminal out east to Punta del Este on the Atlantic coast. 

Notable things to do here include relaxing at Playa Brava by the famous La Mano en la Arena sculpture, watching surfers at Playa el Emir or catching the sunset while enjoying a pitcher of clericó (white-wine sangria) from Parador I’marangatú .

Planning tip: Take a day trip on your day trip, and head from Punta del Este to places like the Punta Ballena whale lookout point, the Fundación Pablo Atchugarry sculpture garden and the Arboretum Lussich.

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20 Must-Visit Attractions in Montevideo, Uruguay

Plaza Independencia in Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo is a charming city, small in size but immense in history, natural beauty and culture. Take advantage of the short distances in Uruguay’s capital city and don’t miss a thing, by following this guide to the city’s top 20 must-visit attractions.

1. plaza independencia.

Puerta de la Ciudadela, Plaza Independencia. Montevideo, Uruguay

2. Mausoleo al General José Gervasio Artigas

Statue of General Artigas in Plaza Independencia, Montevideo, Uruguay

José Gervasio Artigas is Urguay’s national hero. He fought to free the territory from the Spanish crown in the early 1800s. After long years of battling for independence and losing power, Artigas was exiled to Paraguay, where he later died. His remains were brought to Uruguay and put in his mausoleum in Plaza Independencia, right under his statue in the center of Montevideo’s main square. The remains are guarded at all times by a national force with the name of Blandengues de Artigas.

3. Palacio Salvo

people cheering on a mountain

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5. Jardín Botánico de Montevideo

Botanical Garden, Museum, Park

6. Castillo Pittamiglio

Constructed by the architect and alchemist Humberto Pittamilglio in 1910, this castle is as intriguing as its creator. The building, almost unnoticeable between two enormous modern towers, seems to be patiently waiting for the right visitors: those willing to discover its beauty and some of the many mysteries it hides, with stairs that lead nowhere, secret doors, symbols and sculptures. It was later turned into a museum with guided tours and a theatre, providing the perfect setting for any play.

7. Mercado del Puerto

Market, Fusion

The Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo, Uruguay

8. Museo del Carnaval

9. parque rodó.

Amusement Park

Pedal boats on the lake in Parque Rodo. Montevideo, Uruguay

10. Estadio Centenario

Concert Hall, Museum, Stadium

Estadio Centenario is a stadium in the Parque Batlle neighborhood of Montevideo

11. Rambla de Montevideo

Hiking Trail

Seaside apartment blocks Montevideo Uruguay

12. Playa de los Pocitos

Natural Feature

Playa de los Pocitos Montevideo Uruguay

Pocitos is one of the most important residential neighborhoods in Montevideo. Its beach, also called Pocitos, is a favorite place for relaxing, practicing sports and taking a bath in Río Uruguay during hot summer days. The rest of the year, this area attracts sports enthusiasts and people of all ages who arrive on the promenade in search of fresh air and a spot to admire nature.

13. Letrero de Montevideo

The famous Montevideo sign on the Ramblas, Montevideo

Montevideo’s name is beautiful, and there are several theories related to the origin of the word. Take your pick of whichever one is true – either way, Uruguay’s capital had its name placed in giant letters in the city in 2012. The letters were first intended as a temporary display, but citizens instantly fell in love with the look, and so a new version made out of a more long-lasting material was made in 2014. The letters were originally white, but have been painted for different occasions. During 2015, for example, they were painted with the colors of the rainbow flag to celebrate the month of diversity.

14. Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales

Museum, Park

Pablo Picassos work at Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales in Montevideo

15. Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco Hotel

Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco Hotel

16. Catedral Metropolitana de Montevideo

Building, Cathedral

Catedral Metropolitana de Montevideo

Montevideo’s Cathedral is located in Ciudad Vieja, the older side of the city. The construction of this Neoclassical building started in 1790, in the same place where a small brick church had been since 1740. In 1897, Pope Leo XIII named it as the Metropolitan Cathedral. To this day, the most important religious events of the year take place here, along with choir performances and, of course, gorgeous weddings.

17. Museo Del Fútbol

Museum, Stadium

18. Fortaleza Del Cerro

19. museo blanes.

Blanes Museum Exterior Facade, Montevideo, Uruguay

20. Feria Tristán Narvaja

Tristan Narvaja Sunday street market Montevideo Uruguay

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The 12 most beautiful places to visit in Uruguay

The 12 most beautiful places to visit in Uruguay

Nestled between two giants, Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is an original destination that promises you authentic experiences. It must be said that the European influences of the capital Montevideo fade as one approaches the rural traditions of the  pampas  . Culturally refined, blessed with beautiful beaches and marvelous nature reserves, the country is full of places to visit.

As soon as you turn your back on the ocean, the countryside opens the doors of the  gauchos  to you , these herdsmen in black hats riding their mounts elegantly. In terms of entertainment, Uruguayans like to share their passion for theatre, football and tango. Food lovers will not be left out: their gargantuan beef  parilladas have nothing to envy to Argentinian or Brazilian meats.  Wines are tasted throughout the country and  maté  – the national drink – is generously shared.

Wondering what to see and what to do on a trip to Uruguay? Here is a selection of the most beautiful places not to be missed!

Table of Contents

1. Montevideo

Montevideo

Photo credit: Shutterstock / De byvalet

The bustling and cosmopolitan capital of Uruguay is actually the country’s only major city. It extends along the Río de la Plata and faces Buenos Aires. Less popular than its Argentinian neighbor, Montevideo seduces for its many facets and its picturesque sites.

Discover its rich historical past by strolling through the  Ciudad Vieja  (old town). Admire Italian, Spanish and Art Deco architectural influences. From Plaza Independencia, be amazed by the twenty-six floors of the imposing  Palacio Salvo  . Erected in 1927, it was then the tallest building in South America!

Peckish ? See you at the  Mercado del Puerto  ! The port area is very lively. You can sit down in one of the many bars and restaurants, to taste the grilled specialties or enjoy the street shows. The very long rambla promises you a gentle stroll punctuated by beautiful sunny beaches. Montevideo will also seduce you with its period theaters and tango bars.

2. Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Photo credit: Shutterstock / By Paulina Slezak

From Montevideo, travel two hundred kilometers west and you will reach  Colonia del Sacramento  , a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Time seems to have stood still since 1680, when this city was founded by the Portuguese governor of Rio de Janeiro.

Small cobbled streets lined with colonial houses, pretty tree-lined squares: the Barrio Histórico is a delight. How good it is to stroll through the oldest city in the country, discovering its eight historical museums! Despite its success, Colonia remains authentic and essential in Uruguay.

3. Punta del Este

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Photo credit: Shutterstock / By Ksenia Ragozina

Change of atmosphere in the most upscale (and popular) seaside resort in the country:  Punta del Este  . Here, the luxurious resorts adjoin the white sand beaches. People come here to savor delicious seafood, experience the pleasures of water sports, party or simply relax. Out of season, nature is more present and you can enjoy another facet of this bubbling coastal city.

Punta del Este is also the starting point to get to the outskirts of the Gorriti and Los Lobos islands.

4. Isla de Lobos

Isla de Lobos, Uruguay, sea lions

Photo credit: Shutterstock / From lovelypeace

Reachable in forty minutes by boat from Punta del Este,  Isla de Lobos  includes one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the world. The hot springs favor the reproduction of this exceptional fauna which inhabits the island. From your boat, be sure to admire the maritime lighthouse. Built in the 19th century, it still works and lights up every five seconds to guide sailors.

With its fifty-nine meters high, it is the tallest lighthouse in all of South America!

5. Cape Polonio

Photo credit: Shutterstock / From Inspired By Maps

If you want to live a different experience, far from the classic tourist infrastructures, you will not be disappointed by  Cabo Polonio  . This small fishing village, accessible only on foot or by 4×4, is located in the middle of the dunes, along a deep blue sea. In this haven of peace in the heart of nature, there is no road and only a hundred souls live there all year round. The village takes its name from a ship that was shipwrecked in 1735: the Polonio.

With its lighthouse perched above the rocks, its makeshift huts and its sea lions, Cabo Polonio attracts lovers of calm and space. The sunset on the beach located to the south is magical. At night, take the time to look up: without public lighting, you will observe thousands of stars and the Milky Way. During your nocturnal stroll, dip your feet in the water so that the bioluminescent plankton lights up!

6. Piriapolis

Cerro San Antonio, Piriapolis

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / From DFLC Prints

Its promenade backed by small hills makes  Piriápolis  a charming seaside resort reminiscent of Mediterranean towns. Unusual buildings, such as the Castillo de Piria or the huge Argentino Hotel are to be visited, in this city built from scratch for Uruguayan aristocrats. Its beaches are ideal for a moment of relaxation during your trip, while the surrounding countryside features the highest peaks in the country.

To enjoy a magnificent view of the bay, go to Cerro San Antonio. Accessible by chairlift or by road, it culminates at a height of one hundred and thirty meters and offers a beautiful panorama over the bay, the city and the port of Piriápolis.

7. Quebrada de los cuervos

Ravens Ravine

Photo credit:  Wikimedia Commons – LauraGentini

Off the beaten track, the  Quebrada de los Cuervos  nature reserve is a perfect place for lovers of fauna and flora. A remote canyon meanders through a rolling landscape. A wide variety of plants and birds call it home. You can discover them thanks to two beautiful marked and easy hikes, one of which leads to a pretty waterfall, the Cascada de Olivera.

Jump in Uruguay

Photo credit:  Flickr – Vince Alongi

Founded in the 18th century, the town of  Salto  deserves a visit to its rich historical centre. Start by admiring the Casa del Gobierno, discover the Sitio del Ayui, enter the San Juan Bautista Cathedral. Then head to the Costanera, a beautiful promenade along the Río Uruguay that will take you to the beaches bordering the river. A few kilometers further, unwind in spas, such as Dayman, with natural hot water pools conducive to relaxation.

9. Tacuarembo

Tacuarembo, Uruguay

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / By Kobby Dagan

Uruguay is also the land of the  gauchos  , cattle herders in boots and hats. The hilly countryside of  Tacuarembo  lends itself perfectly to discovering the traditions of this culture.

The Patria Gaucha festival is dedicated to them every year, at the beginning of March. During your stay, don’t miss the free visit to the Museum del Indio y del Gaucho, which presents a collection of typical accessories of rural life. As you stroll through the narrow streets lined with sycamores and the charming squares of the city, it would not be surprising if you hear the tunes of tango: for the Uruguayan population, Tacuarembo is the city of Carlos Gardel, undisputed master of the famous genre. musical.

10. Point of the Devil

Punta del Diablo, Uruguay

In the northeast of the country, on the edge of Brazil,  Punta del Diablo  attracts tourists for its beaches, seafood shacks and adjacent national park. Renting a surfboard to tackle the waves is a  must do  .

The Parque Nacional Santa Teresa can be reached in an hour on foot… or on horseback, a much more fun option! Run by the military, this park offers uncrowded beaches among eucalyptus and pine forests. It also houses an imposing fortress, the construction of which dates back to 1762. In the evening, the sunset and the improvised campfires are the charm of Punta del Diablo.

Note  : The place has become very popular with Uruguayan and Argentinian families, avoid the first half of January if you do not want to be invaded by a flood of holidaymakers.

11. Paysandu

Paysandu, Uruguay

Photo credit:  Flickr – Martín Benitez

On the east bank of the Uruguay River,  Paysandú  is a historic city. Founded in the 18th century for the herdsmen of the Jesuit mission of Yapeyú, it gradually became an important center of meat processing, so famous in the country.

It is pleasant to stroll in its alleys planted with palm trees, to visit its old cemetery, its theater, its basilica. The best time to discover Paysandú is undoubtedly during its carnival or during the beer festival, during Holy Week. The festivities are an opportunity to enjoy the folklore of the region or to taste the Nortena, the local beer.

12. Punta Ballena

Punta Ballena, Uruguay

Credit Photo : Shutterstock / De Ivo Antonie de Rooij

On the Uruguayan coast, very close to Punta del Este, the tip of  Punta Ballena  is a paradise for nature lovers. Located in the department of Maldonado, the place takes its name from its shape of a whale. Large Argentine fortunes own vacation homes there. In addition to its coastline, people come to Punta Ballena to visit the Casapueblo, the architectural complex of the Uruguayan artist Carlos Paéz Vilaró.

Mohamed SAKHRI

Mohamed SAKHRI

I am Mohamed SAKHRI, the creator and editor-in-chief of this blog, 'Discover the World – The Blog for Curious Travelers.' Join me as we embark on a journey around the world, uncovering beautiful places, diverse cultures, and captivating stories. Additionally, we will delve into mysterious and, at times, even bizarre destinations.

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Visit Uruguay: Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

A stone house in shape of an eagle's head in Uruguay

Soccer fans know Uruguay. For the rest of us, Uruguay often seems elusive and mysterious. A modern agricultural nation exporting both wool and beef, it welcomes visitors from the elite to backpackers. However, if you like to travel, it’s easy to visit Uruguay.

It’s a progressive country with a sordid history resulting in a skewed demographic balance that is quite different from its neighbouring nations. Yet, they flock here for holiday, drawn by the mild summers, stunning beaches, culinary delights, liberal laws, and the many things to do in Uruguay.

It’s a small country filled with windswept beaches, sea lions, fishing villages, horse ranches, five-star resorts, and so much more.

Commemorative sculpture in Punta del este seen on a visit to Uruguay.

Where is Uruguay?

Nestled between Brazil and Argentina along the Atlantic coast, Uruguay is much smaller than its neighbouring countries. Boasting a population of fewer than 3.5 million residents, Uruguay has a population density of only 19 people per sq km. In comparison, the USA is at 37 per sq km, while Singapore’s population density tops 8,000 per sq km, according to World Population Review .

Uruguay travel guide: quick reference

  • Emergency number : 911
  • Official Language : Spanish (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
  • Currency : Uruguayan peso (UYU)
  • Credit cards : Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted
  • ATM Machines : Only found in the larger cities
  • Electricity : 230V 50Hz Type I connectors (same as used in Australia, Argentina, and New Zealand). Also, C, F, and L connectors may be used
  • Telephone country code : +598
  • Water : Tap water is considered safe to drink
  • Capital city of Uruguay : Montevideo

Best time to visit Uruguay

One of the more crowded beaches in Uruguay

Located in the southern hemisphere, the coastal climate of Uruguay is generally milder than the interior. While spring and summer (October through March) are thought of as the best times for visiting Uruguay, be aware that January is by far the busiest and most expensive month to visit the coastal cities. In fact, many are shuttered for much of the year, coming alive sometime in December and hibernating again from mid-February.

Uruguay Seasons

December to February – Summer

  • Warm coastal temperatures. Average temps: 17-28C
  • Hotter in the Northwest. (33C)
  • More crowded.
  • Requires booking ahead.

March to May – Autumn

  • Autumn is mild.
  • Average temps: 10–26C
  • Fewer tourists.
  • Less planning is required.

June to August – Winter

  • Chilly and damp winters.
  • Average temps: 6–18C
  • Cold winds possible.
  • Shorter days.

September to November – Spring

  • Springtime is damp and cool.
  • Average temps: 9-24C
  • Tends to be windy.

Uruguay holidays that affect travel

Carnival in Uruguay show at Solis Theatre in Montevideo

  • Carnival in Uruguay is a big deal. In fact, Montevideo is home to the world’s longest carnival, lasting six weeks each year and boasting as much fun as Rio de Janeiro.
  • January , while it’s not a holiday, is the height of the season, especially in Punta del Este. You need to book early and be aware that prices will be up.
  • Additional Public Holidays in Uruguay : New Year’s Day, Día de los Reyes (Jan 6), Easter (varies), Desembarco de los 33 Orientales (Apr 19), Labor Day (May 1), Batalla de las Piedras (May 18), Natalicio de José Gervasio Artigas (June 19), Jura de la Constitución (July 18), Independence Day (Aug 25), Día de la Raza (Oct 12), Día de los Difuntos (Nov 2), and Christmas (Dec 25).

Travel tips: Know before you visit Uruguay

Visas and entry.

Uruguayan flag painted on a brick wall, one of many cool examples of street art of Uruguay.

Uruguay’s visa requirements differ based on the citizenship and residency of visitors. However, citizens (passport holders) of Australia, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, New Zealand, United States, and many other countries can fill out a tourist card at immigration and will automatically be granted a 90-day visitor visa. Check the official government site for information.

Safety in Uruguay

Using the world peace index as a measure, Uruguay is considered the safest South American country . However, this is not an invitation to be careless. Even in Uruguay, we practised basic safety guidelines for travelling in South America .

Travel Insurance

We don’t travel without insurance. It’s a personal choice that has paid off well for us. Although Uruguay is well-known for having affordable healthcare, I still would carry insurance. You never know what can go wrong, as I learned first-hand when I got dengue fever while in South America. ⇒ Compare travel insurance companies based on your needs .

Montevideo flea market

What to bring to Uruguay

We were always comfortable in Uruguay, as it has an overall casual atmosphere. Like at home, we were sporty for the daytime and smart casual for evenings. You will want a good pair of walking shoes, a sun hat, and swimwear.

We always travel light and include clothes and light jackets that can be layered as needed. Therefore, our basic kit needed nothing extra for Uruguay. You can get a free copy of our packing list when you sign up for our newsletter.

Top places to visit in Uruguay

Choosing the best places to visit in Uruguay starts with what you hope to get from your travel. The top three tourist destinations are listed here, along with two other interesting options.

Follow the links for details on what to see and do, where to stay, and other local recommendations for each destination below.

Montevideo Uruguay PC240134

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is an open-minded modern metropolis with old-world European charm. The city boasts an eclectic mix of historical buildings and contemporary designs, as well as being the seat of government.

A liveable city, we found the people friendly, the food both affordable and delicious, the wine flowing, and the marijuana inaccessible to visitors. It's often considered to be the most gay-friendly city in South America. Montevideo is a must-see for anyone visiting Uruguay.

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Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is one of Uruguay’s oldest cities and a visit here is a real treat. From the moment we passed through the historic quarter's city gate, we were captivated by cobblestone streets, picturesque beaches, and colourful architecture.

It's an easy day trip via ferry from Buenos Aires Argentina, although we regretted not staying overnight.

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Punta del Este

If you are looking for a South American summer beach holiday in a mild climate, Punta del Este is it. Add to that white-sand beaches, sparkling waters, endless sea views, shopping, restaurants and plenty of nightlife, and you can understand why it is so popular.

However, if you want to visit in January, you had best book early, as the population swells almost 10-fold this time of year. And for good reason.

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Monumento El Águila

Your eyes are not playing tricks on you. This is a house built to look like an eagle's head, with window eyes facing out to sea. El Águila de Atlantida is its Spanish name, while it is called the Eagle's Nest in English. You can find it on a deserted beach in Villa Argentina, between Montevideo and Punta del Este. As we travelled between the two cities via cruise ship, we didn't get to see it, but it's certainly on my list for another visit.

Uruguay Cerro Arequita Depositphotos 452379600 L 1

Cerro Arequita

If you are looking for a bit of adventure, perhaps this day trip out to Cerro Arequita for a bit of adrenaline-pumping climbing and rappeling is exactly what you need. The tour from Montevideo also explores the nature reserve at Salus' Park, and visits majestic caves, and enjoys the sunset. The stops are in Minas, which is inland, between Montevideo and Punta del Este.

Travelling within Uruguay

Self-driving – know before you visit uruguay.

In Uruguay, people drive on the right side of the road when they stay in their lane. Driving, we were told, is a bit haphazard and nerve-wracking. And bone-jarring potholes are not uncommon. However, if you are going to drive, there are several things you should know:

  • The main highways are fine, but other road conditions vary greatly.
  • The Uruguay speed limits on the open road are up to 110 kph (68 mph).
  • Importantly, wearing safety belts is compulsory for everyone in the car.
  • Children aged 0-12 must be in a rear seat.
  • Uruguay has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
  • Dipped headlights are required during the day.
  • All cars must carry a first aid kit.

We opted not to drive in Uruguay. If you feel differently, renting a car in Uruguay is easy. RentalCars.com offers options from international and local companies, allowing you to compare prices and company ratings. We have been using Rental Cars worldwide since we discovered them. ⇒ Reserve your rental car at RentalCars.com

Uruguay transportation options

If you don’t want a tour and are not brave enough to drive yourself, other transportation options include buses, trains, planes, and ferries. See other options for how to get around Uruguay here .

Local foods and drinks to try when you visit Uruguay

Asado in South America

Pro tip: Many restaurants offer tax-free dining for tourists; you simply need to ask for it.

If you’re going to spend any time in Uruguay, even just a day, there are a few things you will want to try.

What to eat in Uruguay

  • Chivito: is the national dish of Uruguay, according to Wikipedia. It’s a sandwich of thinly sliced cooked beef steak (churrasco), mozzarella, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and olives. Often, bacon, fried or hard-boiled eggs, and ham are added. It’s usually served with French fries.
  • Asado: A slow-cooked barbeque over hot coals with a selection of different cuts of meat, from steaks to intestines.
  • Empanada: Savoury pastry, typically filled with meat, ham and cheese, or vegetarian.

What to drink in Uruguay

  • Share a mate  (mah-tā) with friends. It’s a bitter-tasting tea-like beverage drunk from an open-top cup through a metal straw called a “bombilla.” You will see Uruguayans walking down the street, mate cup in one hand and the hot water thermos wedged firmly under their other arm.
  • Sample Grappamiel, often referred to as the national drink. It is a sweet wine with honey.
  • Sip some medio y medio, a combination of equal portions of wine and champagne.

Interesting Uruguayan Laws

Cannabis shop in Montevideo Uruguay

Three laws on the book clearly distinguish Uruguay from other countries in South America. all credited to former sandal-wearing President Jose Mujica.

  • A first-trimester  abortion is legal , but only for Uruguayan citizens and under a set  of government guidelines .
  • The cultivation, sale, and consumption of recreational  marijuana is legal  with limitations and government control; however, only for Uruguayan citizens.
  • Marriage equality  is on the books.

Uruguay’s Shameful Past

One thing you can’t help noticing, unlike other South American countries we visited, is the high percentage of white European Uruguayans (88%). This is a direct result of the country wiping out its indigenous Charrúa population in 1831. It’s a shameful past that current citizens seem embarrassed by. You can read about it here:  Charrúa – Genocide .

More information and tips on visiting Uruguay

Port Market in Montevideo Uruguay

  • A 10% tip in restaurants is customary.
  • The legal age to purchase alcohol in Uruguay is 18; however, there is no minimum legal age for drinking alcohol.
  • While it is legal for Uruguayan citizens to smoke marijuana, it is NOT legal for tourists.
  • If you buy gifts that you are taking out of the country, you may still be able to get the VAT tax (22%) refund near the port terminal. Look for the small blue building, or check it out here . It was originally scheduled to end in April, but has rolled over annually and was still valid as of April 2022, with no additional information currently available.
  • The weather is unpredictable, especially in the summer, so bring a rain jacket.
  • Uruguay is well-known for soccer and has one of the most successful teams in the world. To date, they won 19 official FIFA titles: 2 World Championships, 2 Olympic Games, and 15 Copa América championships. Plus, they were the world’s first Soccer World Cup winners (1930) and won again in 1950.
  • The population of Uruguay is about 3.5 million people and 12 million cows.

Save for when you are ready to visit Uruguay

If you enjoyed this Uruguay travel guide, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.

Guide for first time visitors to Uruguay

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Photo Credits

Photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such, in the public domain, or some stock photos were supplied by  DepositPhotos .

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

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Reader Interactions

Kelly Anne Rothaermel

October 17, 2019 at 2:31 am

Uruguay has never really been on my travel radar, but I might have to reconsider! Have a great week.

October 16, 2019 at 12:00 pm

Loved exploring the local food in Uruguay a few years ago. One thing that struck me was how people would walk around with the flasks of hot water and drink at any time of the day and any where. Fascinating!! Truly a football capital. We run into an ex-world champion player at a restaurant in Montevideo. Great country and thanks for highlighting it. Hope more people will visit this small, but amazing country.

October 16, 2019 at 11:52 am

These are wonderful things to expect for a first time visitor, I am sure the weather is fantastic during the prime season. Thanks for sharing the tips! xo – kam

October 16, 2019 at 5:41 am

You seem to have visited so many fascinating places! You must live in a constant state of jet lag!

October 16, 2019 at 12:17 am

Don’t know much about Uruguay, to be honest, so this is quite interesting to read. Fewer than 3,5 million people? I thought the population was much greater for some reason. And how lovely that their carnival in Montevideo lasts for six weeks. That must be one great event to attend. 🙂 Thanks for the info regarding the best time to go, March seems like a good idea for me. Would love to see Montevideo and Punta del Este, and to try some of that mah-tā.

October 15, 2019 at 11:37 pm

Thank you for this informative and educational post ! I went to Montevideo last year and we loved it! Great photos

October 15, 2019 at 2:53 pm

You got me interested about Uruguay! The chart of best time to visit is too good. Can I use the same idea for some of my posts? Little tips like tax free food for tourists, zero alcohol tolerance is all so helpful. Great post. Saving it up for my dreams. 🙂

October 15, 2019 at 5:07 am

What a beautiful place to visit!

Linda (LD Holland)

October 14, 2019 at 1:46 pm

We are excited to be heading to South America in the new year. So this was a quick intro to Uruguay for us. Glad to know it is considered safe if we wander (carefully) around on our own. I love the variety in what is offered in Uruguay. But we will be sure to book our tours early since it is high season when we visit. I appreciate that tip. I had to laugh when I read that there are almost 3 cows per person!

October 14, 2019 at 11:20 am

You’ve captured my imagination with your pics and stories of Uruguay. I’ve never really thought about traveling there, but now I’m tempted. Excellent tip about some places on the coast being shuttered outside of December to mid-February! I’m not great with crowds so Carnival might feel too overwhelming to me, so I’d try to avoid that. Colonia del Sacramento, Punta del Este and Montevideo seem too tempting to miss!

October 14, 2019 at 7:41 am

What a great article and I am so interested to explore more about Uruguay! The street markets and fruit vendors are so similar to what we have back home in India.

Jenn and Ed Coleman

October 14, 2019 at 3:12 am

This was a great article. I have always “heard” of Uruguay, but never enough to prompt a visit. Now I am intrigued. It looks like they have a good selection of adventure travel and ocean sports. Also, the culture of being the safest country with the most liberal laws seems interesting. It’s as if Draconian law enforcement doesn’t actually make a country safer in the end.

October 13, 2019 at 8:23 pm

Great tips here for the first time visitors (and hopefully I be there soon as a first timer) so kept a lot of these tips in mind. Still don’t know much about Uruguay but cant wait to get lost in their culture, their land, their food and to educate myself there.

Ruth Murdoch

October 13, 2019 at 8:26 am

This is a fantastic blog for first time visitors, thanks and very well written.

Laureen Lund

October 13, 2019 at 12:03 am

Thank you for inspiring me to visit. Several years ago we made a cruise stop in Montevideo and I’ve always wondered if I should go back to explore. Now I think I will. Great and very informative post.

October 12, 2019 at 5:27 pm

So it’s seasons are the same as ours, I didn’t know that.

October 12, 2019 at 5:24 pm

I will admit I knew very little about Uruguay, so your post is interesting! I love the colorful beach and streets. The sad genocide history is also new to me. Thanks for putting together this detailed post!

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